56588 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

POSTAL SERVICE 

39 CFR Part 111 

New Standards for Domestic Mailing 

Services 

AGENCY: Postal Service. 

ACTION: Proposed rule. 

SUMMARY: On May 3, 2006, the Postal 

Service filed a request with the Postal 

Rate Commission to change prices for 

virtually all domestic mailing services. 

The Commission designated the filing as 

Docket No. R2006–1. This proposed rule 

provides the mailing standards that 

would accompany the new prices if the 

R2006–1 price change proposal is 

adopted. 

DATES: We must receive your comments 

on or before November 13, 2006. 

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver written 

comments to the Manager, Mailing 

Standards, U.S. Postal Service, 475 

L’Enfant Plaza SW., Room 3436, 

Washington DC 20260–3436. You may 

inspect and photocopy all written 

comments at USPS Headquarters 

Library, 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW., 11th 

Floor N, Washington DC between 9 a.m. 

and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel 

Walker, 202–268–7266. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal 

Service’s request in Docket No. R2006– 

1 includes mail classification changes, 

new pricing structures, and price 

changes for most domestic mailing 

services. This proposed rule contains 

the revisions to Mailing Standards of 

the United States Postal Service, 

Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) that we 

would adopt to implement the R2006– 

1 price change proposal. We summarize 

our revisions by class of mail and extra 

service, and we provide our proposed 

changes to the mailing standards in the 

DMM. We invite your comments on all 

aspects of our proposed standards. 

We also provide the proposed prices, 

price categories, and price structures 

that are currently under review by the 

Postal Rate Commission. The pricing 

proposal is subject to separate 

Commission proceedings. For more 

information visit http://www.prc.gov. 

This is the first time since 2001 that 

we have proposed any restructuring to 

our prices. We adjusted prices in 

January 2006 solely to fund a $3.1 

billion escrow account required by 

federal law. When our new prices are 

implemented in 2007, postage prices 

will have grown at or below the 

Consumer Price Index since 1971. 

Overview 

Our pricing proposal reflects changes 

in operations and the marketplace. Our 

proposal would enhance efficiency, 

offer more choices, and ensure that all 

types of mail cover their costs. We 

include incentives to create mailpieces 

compatible with our processing systems 

and deposit flats and parcels closer to 

where they are delivered. 

Our proposed prices recognize that 

each shape of mailpiece—letter, flat, 

and parcel—has substantially different 

processing costs that need to be covered. 

Our current prices do not distinguish 

between shapes as much as they could. 

For example, in First-Class Mail, our 

current price is 63 cents for a 2-ounce 

piece regardless of whether it is a letter, 

flat, or parcel. 

We also provide opportunities to 

mitigate the impact of price increases. If 

the contents of a First-Class Mail flat are 

folded and placed into a letter-size 

envelope, the mailer could save as much 

as 20 cents. If a parcel is reconfigured 

as a flat, the mailer could save up to 38 

cents. 

To better align mail preparation with 

our processing capabilities and to 

maximize access to lower rates for 

mailers, we propose to require scheme 

preparation wherever appropriate. We 

define the terms ‘‘5-digit/scheme’’ and 

‘‘3-digit/scheme’’ as the preparation of 

bundles and containers for 5-digit and 

3-digit ZIP Code combinations in any of 

our scheme labeling lists, and single 5- 

digit and 3-digit ZIP Codes not on these 

lists. We also propose to require all flatsize pieces to be uniformly thick. 

First-Class Mail 

Our proposal introduces prices based 

on the shape of mail and our relative 

costs, with separate prices for letters, 

flats, and parcels. As shape becomes 

more important, weight becomes less 

important, and our proposal reduces 

prices for many pieces over 1 ounce. 

First-Class Mail Retail Letters, Flats, and 

Parcels 

The single-piece 1-ounce First-Class 

Mail letter price would increase $0.03, 

to $0.42, and the single-piece card price 

also would increase $0.03, to $0.27. The 

additional-ounce price would decrease 

$0.04, to $0.20. 

We propose a ‘‘forever stamp’’ to 

make future price changes more 

convenient for consumers. The postage 

value of the forever stamp would equal 

the First-Class Mail single-piece 1-ounce 

letter rate at any time in the future, 

without the addition of extra postage. 

Our pricing proposal would eliminate 

the nonmachinable surcharge. Instead, a 

letter-size mailpiece with 

nonmachinable characteristics would 

pay the flat-size price. Our additional 

handling costs are included in the 

proposed 1-ounce flat-size price, so no 

surcharge is necessary. To qualify for 

letter rates, the maximum weight for 

letter-size pieces would be 3.5 ounces. 

First-Class Mail Discount Letters and 

Flats 

The additional-ounce price for 

automation letters would decrease from 

$0.237 to $0.155. We would maintain 

the 150-piece minimum tray preparation 

requirement for automation First-Class 

Mail letters and cards. Sort levels would 

be 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, 3- 

digit origin, automation area 

distribution center (AADC), and mixed 

AADC. We propose a simplified 

preparation to allow mailers of 

machinable letters to sort only to the 

AADC and mixed AADC levels. We 

would eliminate the carrier route 

automation preparation and discounts. 

The maximum weight for letter rates, 

including automation pieces, would be 

3.5 ounces. 

We would expand the current 

requirement for pieces to be rectangular 

to all flats. The physical standards for 

automation flats would be the current 

criteria for AFSM 100 pieces, with new 

standards for flexibility. We also 

propose to lessen the deflection 

standard. 

Our proposal would eliminate the 

nonmachinable surcharge. Instead, 

letter-size mailpieces with 

nonmachinable characteristics would 

pay flat-size prices. Presorted prices 

would be available for machinable 

letters sorted to the 3-digit origin, 

AADC, and mixed AADC levels. 

To help reduce the costs of handling 

mail in letter trays, we propose a nooverflow tray option for automation 

letters. In addition, to encourage fuller 

trays, we propose to change our 

definition of a ‘‘full letter tray’’ to one 

in which the pieces fill the length of the 

tray between 85 percent and 100 percent 

full. 

First-Class Mail Discount Parcels 

The structure for discount parcels 

includes new workshare prices. The 

proposed rate levels are 5-digit, 3-digit, 

ADC, and single piece. At least 10 

pounds of parcels would be required for 

5-digit sacks, 3-digit sacks, and ADC 

sacks. Remaining pieces sorted to a 

mixed ADC sack would pay the singlepiece First-Class Mail parcel price. 

Discount parcels would require a 5- 

digit UCC/EAN 128 or POSTNET 

barcode. Unless prepared in 5-digit 

containers or paid at the single-piece 


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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56589 

rates, a surcharge would apply to all 

parcels that are not barcoded or weigh 

less than 2 ounces, or to irregularly 

shaped parcels such as triangles, tubes, 

rolls, and similar pieces. 

Standard Mail 

Our proposed prices encourage mail 

that is compatible with our operations 

and drop shipped closer to its 

destination. As in First-Class Mail, 

Standard Mail pricing has greater 

recognition of shape and reduced 

reliance on weight. 

Standard Mail Letters 

Automation letter sort levels would be 

5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, AADC, 

and mixed AADC. We propose a 

simplified preparation to allow mailers 

of machinable letters to sort only to the 

AADC and mixed AADC levels. 

Nonmachinable letter sort levels 

would be 5-digit, 3-digit, ADC, and 

mixed ADC, for which there would be 

separate rates. We would replace the 

nonmachinable surcharge with a 

separate rate structure for 

nonmachinable letters up to 3.3 ounces. 

Nonmachinable letters over 3.3 ounces 

would pay the flat-size rate or the Not 

Flat-Machinable rate. 

Destination delivery unit (DDU) drop 

shipment entry rates would not be 

available for letters. However, 

destination sectional center facility 

(DSCF) entry rates would be allowed for 

DDU entry of some Enhanced Carrier 

Route letters, including letters with 

simplified addresses. Enhanced Carrier 

Route automation basic rates would be 

eliminated. 

To help reduce the costs of handling 

mail in letter trays, we propose a nooverflow tray option for automation 

letters. In addition, to encourage fuller 

trays, we propose to change our 

definition of a ‘‘full letter tray’’ to one 

in which the pieces fill the length of the 

tray between 85 percent and 100 percent 

full. 

Standard Mail Flats 

The physical standards for 

automation flats would be the criteria 

for AFSM 100 pieces, with new 

standards for flexibility. This change 

would maximize the number of flats we 

can process in automated operations 

and deliver as flats. We also propose to 

lessen the deflection standard. 

We propose to increase the maximum 

size for carrier route flats so that the 

same standards apply to all flats, 

regardless of the rate paid. We would 

expand the current requirement for 

pieces to be rectangular to all flats, 

except Customized MarketMail. 

Standard Mail Not Flat-Machinable 

Pieces 

Our proposal includes a new Not FlatMachinable (NFM) classification for 

rigid flat-size pieces and for pieces that 

are currently automation-compatible 

only by meeting UFSM 1000 standards. 

We propose no bundling requirement 

for most NFMs and to have mailers 

prepare pieces in 5-digit/scheme, 3- 

digit, ADC/BMC, and mixed ADC/BMC 

containers. We propose allowing a DDU 

entry discount for NFMs sorted to 5- 

digit destinations when drop shipped 

directly to the DDU. There would be no 

minimum for NFMs drop shipped to 

DDUs. Unless prepared in 5-digit/ 

scheme containers, a surcharge would 

apply to all NFMs that are not barcoded. 

Standard Mail Parcels 

We propose to eliminate the residual 

shape surcharge for Standard Mail 

parcels. We would no longer offer a 

$0.03 machinable barcode discount. 

Instead, parcel prices would include a 

requirement for barcodes. Unless 

prepared in 5-digit containers, a 

surcharge would apply to all parcels 

that are not barcoded. 

We would rename ‘‘irregular’’ parcels 

as ‘‘nonmachinable’’ parcels and remove 

the bundling requirement for all 

Standard Mail nonmachinable parcels 

except enhanced carrier route pieces. 

We propose to reduce the required 

minimum quantity of nonmachinable 

parcels in sacks to 10 pounds per sack. 

We would allow mailers to 

commingle machinable parcels, 

nonmachinable parcels, and the new 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces when they 

are able to combine them in 5-digit 

containers. We would allow mailers to 

combine certain ZIP Codes for Standard 

Mail parcels, machinable Parcel Select, 

and Bound Printed Matter parcels when 

prepared in 3-digit containers and 

entered at designated SCFs. 

We propose to allow a DDU entry 

discount for parcels sorted to 5-digit 

destinations when drop shipped 

directly to the DDU. There would be no 

minimum for the amount of parcels 

drop shipped to a DDU. The DDU 

discount is currently available only for 

pieces sorted to carrier routes. 

Customized MarketMail 

Rates for Customized MarketMail 

would equal the 5-digit rate for Not FlatMachinable pieces, and mailers would 

still be required to drop ship 

Customized MarketMail pieces to DDUs. 

Detached Address Labels 

Our proposal includes a new $0.015 

charge for detached address labels with 

Enhanced Carrier Route saturation flatsize pieces. Mailers who prepare mail 

with addresses on their mailpieces 

could avoid the new charge. 

Periodicals 

Our proposed Periodicals prices 

encourage mailers to use pallets rather 

than sacks, and to fill sacks with more 

mail. We also enhance drop ship 

incentives to encourage mailers, 

including publishers of high editorial 

content publications, to enter OutsideCounty mail closer to its destination. 

The pricing proposal includes a new 

$0.85 Outside-County Container Rate. 

The container rate would apply to 

pallets, sacks, or trays of OutsideCounty Periodicals mail. We also 

propose new drop ship prices based on 

nonadvertising pounds, in addition to 

increased per-piece drop ship discounts. 

To encourage fuller letter trays, we 

propose to change our definition of a 

‘‘full letter tray’’ to one in which the 

pieces fill the length of the tray between 

85 percent and 100 percent full. 

Package Services 

Package Services includes Parcel Post, 

Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and 

Library Mail. Our proposal simplifies 

Package Services offerings and moves 

toward more efficient handling of 

parcels. 

Parcel Post 

Currently, parcels weighing less than 

15 pounds and measuring more than 84 

inches in combined length and girth are 

charged the 15-pound rates (the 

‘‘balloon rate’’). Under our proposal, 

parcels weighing less than 20 pounds 

and measuring more than 84 inches in 

combined length and girth would be 

charged the 20-pound rates. 

The current $0.03 barcode discount 

available for machinable Parcel Select 

destination bulk mail center (DBMC) 

entry mail would be incorporated into 

the price and a barcode would be 

required. Nonbarcoded machinable 

pieces could claim only the applicable 

Intra-BMC/ASF rate. 

We do not propose any changes to 

mail preparation standards for Parcel 

Post. 

Bound Printed Matter 

Single-piece Bound Printed Matter 

would be renamed ‘‘nonpresorted’’

Bound Printed Matter and would be 

eliminated as a retail option. The $0.08 

discount off the parcel price for flat-size 

pieces increases to $0.16. The $0.03 per 

piece POSTNET barcode discount for 

flat-size mail and the $0.03 per piece 

barcode discount for machinable parcels 

would remain the same. 


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56590 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

We propose to require 5-digit/scheme 

and 3-digit/scheme bundles and 5-digit/ 

scheme sacks for presorted flat-size 

Bound Printed Matter. We propose to 

require 5-digit/scheme bundles for 

nonmachinable parcels weighing less 

than 10 pounds and 5-digit/scheme 

sacks for machinable and 

nonmachinable parcels. 

Media Mail and Library Mail 

We propose to require 5-digit/scheme 

and 3-digit/scheme bundles and 5/digit 

scheme sacks for presorted flat-size 

Media Mail and Library Mail. We 

propose to require 5-digit/scheme 

bundles for nonmachinable parcels and 

5-digit/scheme sacks for machinable 

and nonmachinable parcels. 

Priority Mail 

We continue to offer convenience in 

Priority Mail. The USPS-produced flatrate envelope still would pay the 1- 

pound price, $4.65 under the proposal, 

regardless of weight or destination. 

USPS-produced flat-rate boxes would 

pay $8.80 under the proposal, regardless 

of weight or destination, and would 

become a permanent offering. Prices for 

all Priority Mail pieces weighing over 25 

pounds would decrease for all zones, 

many by as much as 20 percent. 

Currently, Priority Mail pieces 

weighing less than 15 pounds and 

measuring more than 84 inches in 

combined length and girth are charged 

the 15-pound rates (the ‘‘balloon rate’’). 

Under the proposal, Priority Mail pieces 

weighing less than 20 pounds and 

measuring more than 84 inches in 

combined length and girth would be 

charged the 20-pound rates. The new 

balloon rate would apply only to pieces 

addressed for local delivery and to 

zones 1–4. 

Priority Mail pieces that exceed 1 

cubic foot and are addressed to zones 5–

8 could be subject to a new dimensional 

weight price. Postage for these pieces 

would be rated at the greater of their 

actual weight or their dimensional 

weight. In general, if a piece is relatively 

light for its size, it may be subject to a 

dimensional weight price. Dimensional 

weight is calculated using one of two 

formulas, one for rectangular and one 

for nonrectangular pieces. 

Express Mail 

Express Mail pieces often contain 

material that ranges from a half pound 

to 2 pounds. Currently, these pieces pay 

the 2-pound price. To keep Express Mail 

a viable, low-cost alternative for mailers, 

the pricing proposal would add a new 

1-pound price. 

The flat-rate envelope would continue 

to pay the half-pound price, regardless 

of weight. 

Extra Services 

Our proposal keeps insured mail 

reliable, easy, and affordable. All 

insured pieces would have a barcoded 

label and receive a delivery scan. We 

would not require a signature for 

insured items with an indemnity of 

$200 or less. 

We propose new prices for Bulk 

Parcel Return Service, Business Reply 

Mail, Certificate of Mailing, Certified 

Mail, Collect on Delivery, Delivery 

Confirmation, Bulk Insurance, Express 

Mail Insurance, Merchandise Return 

Service, Money Orders, Parcel Airlift, 

Parcel Return Service, Registered Mail, 

Restricted Delivery, Return Receipt, 

Return Receipt for Merchandise, 

Signature Confirmation, and Special 

Handling. 

Other Services 

Our proposal seeks to modernize our 

services, improve address quality, and 

reduce undeliverable-as-addressed mail. 

The Address Change Service 

electronic option for First-Class Mail 

would decrease from $0.21 to $0.06. All 

other classes of mail would increase 

from $0.21 to $0.25. Manual Address 

Correction Service for all classes of mail 

would decrease from $0.75 to $0.50. 

A new automated option for Address 

Change Service would allow First-Class 

Mail letters to receive the first two 

notices at no charge, then each 

additional notice for $0.05 each. 

Standard Mail letters would receive the 

first two notices at $0.02, then each 

additional notice for $0.15 each. This 

new option would require mailers to use 

the new 4-State Customer Barcode. 

Our proposed standards recognize the 

value of address matching software by 

encouraging mailers of all discount 

letters and flats to match their addresses 

using a Coding Accuracy Support 

System (CASS)—certified address 

matching process and the correct ZIP+4 

code on each piece in their mailings. 

Because smaller mailers may need time 

to initiate such a change, we propose to 

implement this requirement in July 

2009. 

The fee structure for Confirm service 

would change from the Silver, Gold, and 

Platinum tiers to a unit-based structure. 

Customers would pay standardized 

annual fees and purchase blocks of units 

that are redeemed for Confirm scans. 

Units are redeemed at the rates of one 

unit per First-Class Mail scan or five 

units per scan for any other class of 

mail. The cost per block of units 

declines as volume thresholds are 

reached. 

On-site meter services are no longer 

offered. The fees associated with on-site 

meter service, meter resetting, 

examination, and checking meters in 

and out of service would be eliminated. 

Individual post office box holders at 

different locations may experience 

varying price changes as we continue to 

align prices with our costs for each 

location. Our proposal would also align 

the Caller Service fees. 

We propose price changes for Address 

Sequencing Service, Mailing List 

Service, Permit Imprint fees, Pickup on 

Demand service, Premium Forwarding 

Service, Shipper Paid Forwarding, 

Stamped Cards, Stamped Envelopes, 

and all annual mailing fees. 

Although we are exempt from the 

notice and comment requirements of the 

Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C 

410 (a)), we invite comments on the 

following proposed revisions to Mailing 

Standards of the United States Postal 

Service, Domestic Mail Manual (DMM), 

incorporated by reference in the Code of 

Federal Regulations. See 39 CFR part 

111. 

List of Subjects in 39 CFR Part 111 

Administrative practice and 

procedure, Postal Service. 

Accordingly, 39 CFR part 111 is 

proposed to be amended as follows: 

PART 111—[AMENDED] 

1. The authority citation for 39 CFR 

part 111 continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 39 U.S.C. 101, 

401, 403, 404, 414, 3001–3011, 3201–3219, 

3403–3406, 3621, 3626, 5001. 

2. Revise the following sections of 

Mailing Standards of the United States 

Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual 

(DMM), as follows: 

100 Retail Mail: Letters, Cards, Flats, 

and Parcels 

101 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for Letters 

1.1 Dimensional Standards for Letters 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item c as item d. Insert new 

item c as follows:] 

c. Not more than 3.5 ounces. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Physical Standards for Flats 

2.1 General Definition 

* * * * * 

[Renumber current item c as new item 

f. Insert new items c through e as 

follows:] 

c. Flexible (see 1.3). 


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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56591 

d. Rectangular. 

e. Uniformly thick (see 1.4) 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 2.2 through 2.4 as follows:] 

2.2 Flexibility 

Flat-size pieces must meet minimum 

flexibility criteria. Test flexibility as 

follows: 

a. For pieces 10 inches or longer: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece 5 inches 

off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a central 

point about an inch off the edge of the 

surface, exerting a steady pressure. 

3. The piece is flexible if it can bend 

at least 2 inches without being damaged. 

b. For pieces less than 10 inches long: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece one-half of 

its length off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a central 

point about an inch off the edge of the 

surface, exerting a steady pressure. 

3. The piece is flexible if it can bend 

at least 1 inch without being damaged. 

2.3 Uniform Thickness 

The contents of a flat-size mailpiece 

must remain uniformly thick so that the 

dimensions of the envelope, wrapper, or 

sleeve remain constant. If the contents 

are of irregular thickness or significantly 

smaller than the envelope, wrapper, or 

sleeve, those contents must be secured 

to prevent shifting within the wrapping 

during processing and surrounded with 

material or padding to ensure that the 

mailpiece remains uniformly thick. 

2.4 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for 

Flat-Size Rates 

Mailpieces that do not meet the 

standards in 2.1 through 2.3 are not 

eligible for flat-size rates and must pay 

applicable parcel rates. 

3.0 Physical Standards for Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Change the terminology from 

‘‘irregular’’ parcels to ‘‘nonmachinable’’ 

parcels in the heading and text of 3.5.] 

* * * * * 

5.0 Additional Physical Standards for 

Priority Mail 

* * * * * 

5.2 Two or More Packages 

[Revise 5.2 as follows:] 

With the exception of USPS-produced 

Priority Mail flat-rate envelopes or 

boxes, two or more packages may be 

mailed as a single parcel if they are 

about the same size or shape, are 

securely wrapped or fastened together, 

and do not exceed the weight or size 

limits. 

* * * * * 

6.0 Additional Physical Standards for 

First-Class Mail 

* * * * * 

6.4 Nonmachinable Pieces 

6.4.1 Nonmachinable Letters 

[Revise 6.4.1 as follows:] 

Letter-size pieces with one or more of 

the nonmachinable characteristics in 1.2 

are subject to the applicable postage for 

a flat-size piece, based on weight. 

[Revise heading and text of 6.4.2 as 

follows:] 

6.4.2 Nonmachinable Flats 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 2.0 are subject to the 

applicable postage for a parcel-size 

piece, based on weight. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 8.0, Additional Physical 

Standards for Bound Printed Matter. 

Renumber 9.0 and 10.0 as new 8.0 and 

9.0.] 

* * * * * 

102 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 3.3 as follows:] 

3.3 Mail Markings 

[Revise first sentence of 3.3 as follows:] 

Mailers must print the basic required 

Package Services subclass marking—

‘‘Parcel Post’’ or ‘‘PP,’’ ‘‘Media Mail,’’ or 

‘‘Library Mail’’—on each piece claimed 

at the respective rate. * * * 

* * * * * 

113 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Express Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Express Mail Rates and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.2 Express Mail Rate Application 

[Revise 1.2 as follows:] 

Except under 1.4, Flat-Rate Envelope, 

Express Mail items are charged the 0.5- 

pound rate for items up to 0.5 pound. 

Items over 0.5 pound are rounded up to 

the next whole pound. For example, if 

a piece weighs 0.25 pound, the weight 

(postage) increment is 0.5 pound; if a 

piece weighs 0.75 pound, the weight 

(postage) increment is 1 pound; if a 

piece weighs 1.2 pounds, the weight 

(postage) increment is 2 pounds. 

* * * * * 

120 Retail Mail: Priority Mail 

123 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Priority Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Priority Mail Rates and Fees 

* * * * * 

1.2 Priority Mail Rate Application 

[Revise 1.2 as follows:] 

Except under 1.3, 1.4, and 1.5, 

Priority Mail rates are charged per 

pound; any fraction of a pound is 

rounded up to the next whole pound. 

For example, if a piece weighs 1.2 

pounds, the weight (postage) increment 

is 2 pounds. The minimum postage 

amount per addressed piece is the 1- 

pound rate. The Priority Mail rate up to 

1 pound is based on weight only; rates 

for pieces weighing more than 1 pound 

are based on weight and zone. Other 

charges may apply. See Exhibit 1.2, 

Priority Mail Rates. 

1.3 Minimum Rate for Parcels to 

Zones 1–4 

[Revise 1.3 as follows:] 

Parcels addressed for delivery to 

Zones 1–4 (including Local) that weigh 

less than 20 pounds but measure more 

than 84 inches (but not more than 108 

inches) in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable zone rate for a 

20-pound parcel (balloon rate). 

[Delete 1.6 and 1.7; renumber 1.4 and 

1.5 as new 1.6 and 1.7. Insert new 1.4 

and 1.5 as follows:] 

1.4 Dimensional Weight Rate for LowDensity Parcels to Zones 5–8 

Postage for parcels addressed for 

delivery to Zones 5–8 and exceeding 1 

cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) is 

charged based on the actual weight or 

the dimensional weight (as calculated in 

1.4.1 or 1.4.2), whichever is greater. 

1.4.1 Determining Dimensional 

Weight for Rectangular Parcels 

Follow these steps to determine the 

dimensional weight for a rectangular 

parcel: 

a. Measure the length, width, and 

height in inches. Round off each 

measurement. 

b. Multiply the length by the width by 

the height. 

c. If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic 

inches, divide the result by 194 and 

round up to the next whole number to 


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56592 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

determine the dimensional weight in 

pounds. 

1.4.2 Determining Dimensional 

Weight for Nonrectangular Parcels 

Follow these steps to determine the 

dimensional weight for a nonrectangular 

parcel: 

a. Measure the length, width, and 

height in inches at their extreme 

dimensions. Round off each 

measurement. 

b. Multiply the length by the width by 

the height. 

c. Multiply the result by an 

adjustment factor of 0.785. 

d. If the result exceeds 1,728 cubic 

inches, divide the result by 194 and 

round up to the next whole number to 

determine the dimensional weight in 

pounds. 

e. If the dimensional weight exceeds 

70 pounds, the parcel pays the 70- 

pound rate. 

1.5 Flat-Rate Boxes and Envelopes 

Any amount of material may be 

mailed in a USPS-produced Priority 

Mail flat-rate box or flat-rate envelope. 

When sealing a flat-rate box or flat-rate 

envelope, the container flaps must be 

able to close within the normal folds. 

Tape may be applied to the flaps and 

seams to reinforce the container, 

provided the design of the container is 

not enlarged by opening the sides, and 

the container is not reconstructed in any 

way. 

1.5.1 Flat-Rate Boxes—Rate and 

Eligibility 

Each USPS-produced Priority Mail 

flat-rate box is charged $8.80, regardless 

of the actual weight of the piece or its 

destination. Only USPS-produced flatrate boxes are eligible for the flat-rate 

box rate. 

1.5.2 Flat-Rate Envelopes—Rate and 

Eligibility 

Each USPS-produced Priority Mail 

flat-rate envelope is charged $4.65, 

regardless of the actual weight of the 

piece or its destination. Only USPSproduced flat-rate envelopes are eligible 

for the flat-rate envelope rate. 

* * * * * 

130 Retail Mail: First-Class Mail 

133 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all First-Class Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 First-Class Mail Rates and Fees 

1.1 First-Class Mail Single-Piece Rate 

Application 

* * * * * 

[Revise the weight limit in item b as 

follows:] 

b. The letter rate applies to letter-size 

pieces that meet the standards in 

101.1.1 and weigh 3.5 ounces or less, 

and that are not eligible for and claimed 

at the card rate. 

[Insert new items c and d as follows:] 

c. The flat rate applies to flat-size 

pieces that meet the standards in 

101.2.1 and letter-size pieces with one 

or more of the nonmachinable 

characteristics in 101.1.2. 

d. The parcel rate applies to parcelsize pieces under 101.3.0 and to flat-size 

pieces that do not meet the standards in 

101.2.0. 

* * * * * 

[Restructure the rate tables in 1.4 

through 1.7 as new 1.4 through 1.8 and 

1.10 to add separate letter, flat, and 

parcel rate tables. Delete current 1.9 and 

1.10 for the nonmachinable surcharge. 

Renumber current 1.7 as new 1.9.] 

1.9 Keys and Identification Devices 

[Revise renumbered 1.9 to remove 

references to nonmachinable surcharge 

in the first three sentences as follows:] 

Keys and identification devices (such 

as identification cards and uncovered 

identification tags) that weigh 13 ounces 

or less are returned at the applicable 

single-piece First-Class Mail parcel rate 

plus the fee. Keys and identification 

devices that weigh more than 13 ounces 

but not more than 1 pound are returned 

at the 1-pound Priority Mail rate plus 

the fee. Keys and identification devices 

weighing more than 1 pound but not 

more than 2 pounds are mailed at the 2- 

pound Priority Mail rate for zone 4 plus 

the fee. * * * 

* * * * * 

2.0 Basic Eligibility Standards for 

First-Class Mail 

2.1 Description of Service 

* * * * * 

2.1.2 Rate Options 

[Revise 2.1.2 to add shape-based 

reference as follows:] 

First-Class Mail offers shape-based 

single-piece rates in 1.0. 

* * * * * 

150 Retail Mail: Parcel Post 

153 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Parcel Post services in ‘‘Rates and 

Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after all 

of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Parcel Post Rates and Fees 

1.1 Rate Eligibility 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. Parcels that weigh less than 20 

pounds but measure more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). 

* * * * * 

1.7 Inter-BMC/ASF Machinable Parcel 

Post 

[Revise the last sentence in 1.7 as 

follows:] 

* * * Parcels that weigh less than 20 

pounds but measure more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). 

1.8 Inter-BMC/ASF Nonmachinable 

Parcel Post 

[Revise the first three sentences in 1.8 as 

follows:] 

Rates include the $3.62 

nonmachinable surcharge. Regardless of 

weight, a parcel that meets any of the 

criteria in 101.7.2, Nonmachinable 

Parcel Post Standards, must pay the rate 

listed in Exhibit 1.9. Parcels that weigh 

less than 20 pounds but measure more 

than 84 inches (but not more than 108 

inches) in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). * * * 

1.10 Local and Intra-BMC/ASF 

Machinable Parcel Post 

[Revise the third sentence in 1.10 as 

follows:] 

* * * Parcels that weigh less than 20 

pounds but measure more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). * * * 

1.11 Local and Intra-BMC/ASF 

Nonmachinable Parcel Post 

[Revise the first three sentences in 1.11 

as follows:] 

Rates include the $1.85 

nonmachinable surcharge. Regardless of 

weight, a parcel that meets any of the 

criteria in 101.7.2, Nonmachinable 

Parcel Post Standards, must pay the 

rates in Exhibit 1.12. Parcels that weigh 

less than 20 pounds but measure more 

than 84 inches (but not more than 108 

inches) in combined length and girth are 

charged the applicable rate for a 20- 

pound parcel (balloon rate). * * * 

160 Retail Mail: Bound Printed Matter 

[Delete 160 in its entirety. These 

standards are incorporated into 360 and 

460.] 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56593 

200 Discount Mail: Letters and Cards 

201 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for 

Machinable Letters and Cards 

1.1 Physical Standards for 

Machinable Letters 

* * * * * 

1.1.2 Weight Standards for 

Machinable Letters 

[Revise 1.1.2 to change the maximum 

weight for First-Class Mail machinable 

letters to 3.5 ounces as follows:] 

The maximum weight for Presorted 

First-Class Mail machinable letters is 3.5 

ounces (0.2188 pound). The maximum 

weight for Standard Mail machinable 

letters is 3.3 ounces (0.2063 pound). 

* * * * * 

2.0 Physical Standards for 

Nonmachinable Letters 

* * * * * 

[Delete 2.2.2. Renumber 2.2.1 as new 2.2 

and revise as follows:] 

2.2 Additional Criteria for First-Class 

Mail Nonmachinable Letters 

Letter-size pieces (except pieces 

eligible for and mailed at card rates) 

with one or more of the nonmachinable 

characteristics in 2.1 are subject to the 

rates for flat-size pieces 

[Delete 2.3.2. Renumber 2.3.1 as new 2.3 

and revise as follows:] 

2.3 Additional Criteria for Standard 

Mail Nonmachinable Letters 

The nonmachinable rates in 243.1.5 

apply to Standard Mail letter-size pieces 

that weigh 3.3 ounces or less and have 

one or more of the nonmachinable 

characteristics in 2.1. 

3.0 Physical Standards for 

Automation Letters and Cards 

* * * * * 

3.3 Weight Standards for First-Class 

Mail Automation Letters and Cards 

[Revise 3.3 to change the weight limit as 

follows:] 

Maximum weight for First-Class Mail 

automation letters is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 

pound). See 3.13.4 for pieces heavier 

than 3 ounces. 

3.4 Weight Standards for Standard 

Mail Automation Letters 

[Revise 3.4 to remove the reference to 

automation carrier route mail as 

follows:] 

Maximum weight for Standard Mail 

mailed at automation and Enhanced 

Carrier Route high density and 

saturation rates is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 

pound). See 3.13.4 for pieces heavier 

than 3 ounces. 

* * * * * 

202 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

3.0 Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings 

* * * * * 

3.3 Placement of Mail Markings 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b, item b3, and item c to 

delete ‘‘AUTOCR.’’] 

* * * * * 

3.4 Exceptions to Markings 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a to remove references to 

carrier route mail as follows:] 

a. Automation Letters: First-Class 

Mail and Standard Mail letters do not 

require an ‘‘AUTO’’ marking if they bear 

a delivery point barcode in the address 

block or on an insert visible through a 

window. First-Class Mail letters not 

marked ‘‘AUTO’’ must bear both the 

‘‘Presorted’’ or ‘‘PRSRT’’ and ‘‘FirstClass’’ markings. Standard Mail letters 

not marked ‘‘AUTO’’ must bear the 

appropriate basic marking in 3.3a. 

[Revise the second sentence in item b as 

follows:] 

b. * * * The two-letter rate category 

code required in the keyline on manifest 

mailing pieces prepared under 705.2.0, 

Manifest Mailing System, meets the 

requirement for other rate markings. 

* * * * * 

230 Discount Letters and Cards: FirstClass Mail 

233 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all First-Class Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail 

1.1 Rate Application 

[Revise 1.1 to add ‘‘letter’’ as follows:] 

Postage is based on the letter rate that 

applies to the weight of each addressed 

piece. 

1.2 Rate Computation for First-Class 

Mail Letters 

[Revise the first sentence in 1.2 to add 

‘‘letter’’ as follows:] 

First-Class Mail letter rates are 

charged per ounce or fraction thereof; 

any fraction of an ounce is considered 

a whole ounce. * * * 

* * * * * 

[Delete 1.13, 1.14, and 1.16. Renumber 

1.15 as new 1.13. Renumber 1.17 

through 1.19 as new 1.14 through 1.16.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Standards for First-Class 

Mail Letters 

3.1 Description of Service 

* * * * * 

3.1.2 Rate Options 

[Revise 3.1.2 as follows:] 

First-Class Mail letters offer shapebased single-piece rates in 133.1.0 and 

discounted rates in 1.0 for presorted 

mailings of 500 or more pieces that 

weigh 3.5 ounces or less. 

* * * * * 

3.3 Additional Standards for FirstClass Mail 

[Revise introductory text in 3.3 as 

follows:] 

All pieces of presorted First-Class 

Mail letters must: 

* * * * * 

[Revise the weight in item b as follows:] 

b. Weigh 3.5 ounces or less. 

* * * * * 

3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy 

3.6.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise the text in 3.6.1 as follows:] 

The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a 

means of ensuring that the ZIP+4 or 5- 

digit ZIP Code in the delivery address 

correctly matches the delivery address 

information. For the purposes of this 

standard, address means a specific 

address associated with a specific ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code. Effective July 2009, 

mailers of all discount letters, flats, and 

parcels must properly code and match 

their address lists using one of the 

CASS-certified address matching 

methods in 708.3.0 and use the correct 

ZIP+4 code on each mailpiece. Mailers 

are encouraged to begin this practice 

immediately. Addresses used on pieces 

claiming discount rates must meet these 

requirements: 

a. Each address and associated ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code used on the 

mailpieces in a mailing must be verified 

and corrected within 12 months before 

the mailing date with one of the USPSapproved methods in 3.6.2. 

b. If an address used on a mailpiece 

in a mailing at one class of mail and rate 

is verified and corrected with an 

approved method, the same address 

may be used during the following 12 

months to meet the ZIP Code accuracy 

standard required for mailing at any 

other class of mail and rate. 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56594 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation First-Class Mail 

Letters 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 4.3 as follows:] 

4.3 Letters With Nonmachinable 

Characteristics 

[Revise 4.3 to delete nonmachinable 

surcharge as follows:] 

Letters with one or more of the 

nonmachinable characteristics in 

201.2.1 must pay the flat-size rate. In 

addition to the standards in 3.0, Basic 

Standards for First-Class Mail Letters, 

all pieces in a First-Class Mail Presorted 

nonmachinable letter-size mailing must 

be marked, sorted, and documented 

according to 235.5.4, Nonmachinable 

Preparation. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 5.0 to delete ‘‘Carrier 

Route’’ as follows:] 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Automation Rate First-Class Mail 

Letters 

[Revise heading of 5.1 as follows:] 

5.1 Basic Standards for Automation 

First-Class Mail Letters 

* * * * * 

[Delete item d2. Move text in item d1 

into item d.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.2, Carrier Route Accuracy, and 

renumber 5.3 and 5.4 as new 5.2 and 

5.3.] 

* * * * * 

5.2 Maximum Weight for Automation 

Letters 

[Revise renumbered 5.2 to change 

maximum weight from 3.3 to 3.5 ounces 

as follows:] 

Maximum weight for First-Class Mail 

automation letters is 3.5 ounces (0.2188 

pound) (see 201.3.13.4, Heavy Letter 

Mail, for pieces heavier than 3 ounces). 

5.3 Rate Application—Automation 

Cards and Letters 

* * * * * 

[Delete item a. Renumber items b 

through e as new items a through d and 

revise as follows:] 

a. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 5- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 5-digit 

rate. Preparation to qualify for the 5- 

digit rate is optional. Pieces placed in 

full 3-digit/scheme trays in lieu of 5- 

digit/scheme overflow trays under 

235.6.6 are eligible for the 5-digit rates. 

b. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 3- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 3-digit 

rate. Pieces placed in full AADC trays in 

lieu of 3-digit/scheme overflow trays 

under 235.6.6 are eligible for the 3-digit 

rates. 

c. Groups of fewer than 150 pieces in 

origin 3-digit/scheme trays and all 

pieces in AADC trays qualify for the 

AADC rate. Pieces placed in mixed 

AADC trays in lieu of AADC overflow 

trays under 235.6.6 are eligible for the 

AADC rates. 

d. Pieces in mixed AADC trays qualify 

for the mixed AADC rate, except for 

pieces prepared under 5.3c. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.5 and renumber 5.6 and 5.7 as 

new 5.4 and 5.5.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 5.4.7, Rural and 

Highway Contract Routes.] 

* * * * * 

234 Postage Payment and 

Documentation 

* * * * * 

2.0 Postage Payment for Presorted 

Letters 

* * * * * 

2.2 Affixed Postage for Presorted 

First-Class Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to delete the reference to 

the nonmachinable surcharge as 

follows:] 

b. A precanceled stamp or the full 

postage at the lowest First-Class Mail 1- 

ounce rate applicable to the mailing job, 

and full postage on metered pieces for 

any additional ounces or extra services. 

* * * * * 

235 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Definition of Terms 

* * * * * 

1.2 Definitions of Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Revise the second sentence in item a to 

remove ‘‘automation carrier route’’ as 

follows:] 

a. * * * Generally, automation and 

nonautomation letters must be prepared 

as separate mailings. * * * 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

* * * * * 

[Delete item a and renumber items b 

through k as new items a through j.] 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. A full letter tray is one in which 

faced, upright pieces fill the length of 

the tray between 85% and 100% full. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item e by deleting the last 

sentence.] 

* * * * * 

2.0 Bundles 

* * * * * 

2.3 Preparing Bundles 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a by deleting the first 

sentence and revising the remaining 

sentence as follows:] 

a. The maximum thickness for 

bundles is 6 inches. 

* * * * * 

[Delete item d and renumber items e 

and f as new items d and e.] 

* * * * * 

2.8 Labeling Bundles 

[Revise the first sentence in 2.8 by 

deleting the reference to carrier route 

bundles as follows:] 

Unless excepted by standard, the 

presort level of each bundle must be 

identified either with an optional 

endorsement line under 708.7.0 or with 

a barcoded pressure-sensitive bundle 

label. * * * 

* * * * * 

[Delete 2.10 and 2.11.] 

* * * * * 

4.0 Tray Labels 

* * * * * 

4.4 Line 2 (Content Line) 

[Revise the table in item 4.4b to delete 

the entries for ‘‘Carrier Route,’’ ‘‘Carrier 

Routes,’’ ‘‘General Delivery Unit,’’

‘‘Highway Contract Route,’’ ‘‘Post Office 

Box Section,’’ and ‘‘Rural Route.’’] 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Nonautomation 

Letters 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.2, Manual Only Option, and 

renumber 5.3 and 5.4 as new 5.2 and 

5.3.] 

5.2 Machinable Preparation 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Traying and Labeling 

[Revise the introductory text in 5.2.2 as 

follows:] 

Instead of preparing overflow AADC 

trays with fewer than 150 pieces, 

mailers may include these pieces in 

mixed AADC trays. 

* * * * * 

[Delete item a about labeling the 5-digit 

tray. Renumber items b through d as 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56595 

new items a through c. Revise 

renumbered item a to reflect the 3-digit 

origin tray as follows:] 

a. Separate 3-digit origin trays 

required for each origin 3-digit ZIP 

Code; one less-than-full tray permitted 

for each origin ZIP Code; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘FCM LTR 3D MACH.’’

* * * * * 

5.3 Nonmachinable Preparation 

5.3.1 Nonmachinable Bundling 

[Revise the second-to-last sentence in 

5.3.1 as follows:] 

* * * Smaller volumes are not 

permitted except for mixed ADC 

bundles. * * * 

* * * * * 

6.0 Preparation for Automation Rate 

Letters 

* * * * * 

6.2 Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. First-Class Mail. A single 

automation rate First-Class Mail mailing 

may include pieces prepared at 5-digit, 

3-digit, origin 3-digit, AADC, and mixed 

AADC rates. 

* * * * * 

6.3 Marking 

[Revise 6.3 to delete the carrier route 

references as follows:] 

All automation rate pieces must be 

marked under 202.3.0, Placement and 

Content of Mail Markings, and 202.4.0, 

Endorsement Placement. Pieces claimed 

at an automation rate must bear the 

appropriate class marking and, except as 

provided in 202.3.0, Placement and 

Content of Mail Markings, and 202.4.0, 

Endorsement Placement, ‘‘AUTO.’’

Pieces not claimed at an automation rate 

must not bear ‘‘AUTO’’ unless singlepiece rate postage is affixed or the 

corrective single-piece rate marking 

(‘‘SNGLP’’ or ‘‘Single-Piece’’) is applied. 

6.4 General Preparation 

[Revise 6.4 to delete carrier route 

references and add a new last sentence 

as follows:] 

Grouping, bundling, and labeling are 

not generally required or permitted, 

except bundling is required in any 

mailing consisting entirely of card-size 

pieces and for pieces in overflow and 

less-than-full trays, and grouping is 

required under 6.6. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 6.6 and 6.7. Renumber 6.8 

through 6.10 as new 6.6 through 6.8.] 

6.6 Tray Preparation 

[Add introductory statement about 

overflow trays to 6.6 as follows:] 

Instead of preparing overflow trays 

with fewer than 150 pieces, mailers may 

include these pieces in the next tray 

level if it results in a full tray. Pieces 

must be grouped by destination. This 

option does not apply to origin 3-digit 

trays. When using this option, it must be 

applied to the entire mailing. 

Preparation sequence, tray size, and 

Line 1 labeling: 

[Delete items a through c and renumber 

items d through g as new items a 

through d. Revise renumbered item a as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e): optional, 

but required for 5-digit rate (150-piece 

minimum); overflow allowed. 

1. For 5-digit scheme trays, use 

destination shown in the current USPS 

City State Product. 

2. For 5-digit trays, use city, state, and 

5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces 

(see 4.0 for overseas military mail). 

* * * * * 

6.7 Tray Line 2 

* * * * * 

[Delete items a through c and renumber 

items d through i as new items a 

through f.] 

* * * * * 

240 Discount Letters and Cards: 

Standard Mail 

243 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Standard Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

1.7 Computing Postage for Standard 

Mail 

* * * * * 

1.7.8 Discount for Heavy Automation 

Letters 

[Revise 1.7.8 by deleting the second-tolast sentence about automation ECR.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete 1.7.10.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail 

Letters 

* * * * * 

3.2 Defining Characteristics 

3.2.1 Mailpiece Weight Limit 

[Revise 3.2.1 as follows:] 

All Standard Mail pieces must weigh 

less than 16 ounces. The following 

weight limits also apply to pieces 

mailed at Standard Mail letter rates: 

a. Pieces mailed at machinable and 

nonmachinable letter rates may weigh 

up to 3.3 ounces. Letter-size pieces 

weighing more than 3.3 ounces and 

prepared as nonmachinable letters are 

mailable at Not Flat-Machinable rates 

(see 443), unless they qualify for 

automation letter rates or Enhanced 

Carrier Route high-density or saturation 

rates. 

b. Pieces mailed at automation letter 

rates or Enhanced Carrier Route highdensity or saturation rates may weigh 

up to 3.5 ounces. 

* * * * * 

3.3 Additional Basic Standards for 

Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise item e by adding a reference to 

3.8.1 as follows:] 

e. Each piece must bear the 

addressee’s name and delivery address, 

including the correct ZIP Code or ZIP+4 

code (see 3.8.1), unless an alternative 

addressing format is used subject to 

602.3.0. Detached address labels may be 

used subject to 602.4.0. 

* * * * * 

3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy 

3.8.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise the introductory text and item a 

in 3.8.1 as follows:] 

The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a 

means of ensuring that the ZIP+4 or 5- 

digit ZIP Code in the delivery address 

correctly matches the delivery address 

information. For the purposes of this 

standard, address means a specific 

address associated with a specific ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code. Effective July 2009, 

mailers of all discount letters, flats, and 

parcels must properly code and match 

their address lists using one of the 

CASS-certified address matching 

methods in 708.3.0 and use the correct 

ZIP+4 code on each mailpiece. Mailers 

are encouraged to begin this practice 

immediately. Except for mail bearing a 

simplified address, addresses used on 

pieces claiming discount rates must 

meet these requirements: 

a. Each address and associated ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code used on the 

mailpieces in a mailing must be verified 

and corrected within 12 months before 

the mailing date with one of the USPSapproved methods in 3.8.2. 

[Delete item b and renumber items c 

and d as new items b and c.] 

* * * * * 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56596 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b1 by deleting 

‘‘(nonletter).’’] 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b3 by changing the base 

rate for Customized MarketMail as 

follows:] 

3. Pieces mailed as Customized 

MarketMail under 705.1.0 must pay the 

Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail 5- 

digit nonentry rates for Not FlatMachinable pieces and must not exceed 

3.3 ounces. 

[Revise item c by deleting the last 

sentence about DDU rates.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete 4.4, Residual Shape Surcharge.] 

[Replace ‘‘presorted’’ with 

‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout 5.0.] 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation Standard Mail 

Letters 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 5.4 to refer 

to new AADC and mixed AADC rates, 

instead of basic rates, as follows:] 

5.4 Machinable Rate Application 

Machinable letters are subject only to 

AADC and mixed AADC rates. 

5.4.1 AADC Rate 

The AADC rate applies to qualifying 

letter-size machinable pieces (see 

201.1.0, Physical Standards for 

Machinable Letters and Cards) in 

quantities of 150 or more pieces 

prepared in AADC trays for a single 

AADC (see L801). 

5.4.2 Mixed AADC Rate 

The mixed AADC rate applies to 

qualifying letter-size machinable pieces 

that the mailer prepares in mixed AADC 

trays, except for pieces placed in mixed 

AADC trays in lieu of overflow AADC 

trays (see 245.5.3.2). 

[Delete 5.5 and 5.6. Insert new 5.5 as 

follows:] 

5.5 Nonmachinable Rate Application 

Nonmachinable rates in 1.0 apply 

only to Standard Mail letter-size pieces 

(including card-size pieces) weighing 

3.3 ounces or less that have one or more 

of the nonmachinable characteristics in 

201.2.1. Nonmachinable letter-size 

pieces weighing more than 3.3 ounces 

are subject to Not Flat-Machinable rates 

(see 443). 

5.5.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to letter-size 

pieces subject to the nonmachinable 

rates (see 5.5) prepared in quantities of 

150 or more pieces for a 5-digit ZIP 

Code and presented in 5-digit trays 

under 245.5.0. 

5.5.2 3-Digit Rate 

The 3-digit rate applies to letter-size 

pieces subject to the nonmachinable 

rates (see 5.5) prepared in quantities of 

150 or more pieces for a 3-digit ZIP 

Code and presented in 3-digit trays 

under 245.5.0. 

5.5.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to letter-size 

pieces subject to the nonmachinable 

rates (see 5.5) prepared in quantities of 

150 or more pieces for an ADC and 

presented in ADC trays under 245.5.0. 

5.5.4 Mixed ADC Rate 

The mixed ADC rate applies to lettersize pieces that are subject to the 

nonmachinable rates and prepared in 

mixed ADC trays. 

[Revise heading in 6.0 as follows:] 

6.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Enhanced Carrier Route Standard 

Mail Letters 

6.1 General Enhanced Carrier Route 

Standards 

6.1.1 Optional Preparation 

[Revise 6.1.1 by deleting the last 

sentence about automation basic carrier 

route.] 

* * * * * 

6.1.2 Basic Eligibility Standards 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b by deleting the second 

sentence about automation basic carrier 

route.] 

* * * * * 

6.1.3 Maximum Weight for Enhanced 

Carrier Route Letters 

[Revise 6.1.3 by deleting the reference to 

automation carrier route as follows:] 

Maximum weight for Standard Mail 

Enhanced Carrier Route high density 

and saturation pieces: 3.5 ounces 

(0.2188 pound) (see 201.3.13.4, Heavy 

Letter Mail, for pieces heavier than 3 

ounces). 

* * * * * 

6.2 Carrier Route Accuracy 

6.2.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a by deleting the last 

sentence.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete 6.6, Automation ECR 

Standards.] 

* * * * * 

7.0 Eligibility Standards for 

Automation Rate Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

7.3 Rate Application for Automation 

Letters 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a through d to 

accommodate an option to overflow 

trays as follows:] 

a. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 5- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 5-digit 

rate. Preparation to qualify for that rate 

is optional. Pieces placed in full 3-digit/ 

scheme trays in lieu of 5-digit/scheme 

overflow trays are eligible for 5-digit 

rates (see 245.7.5). 

b. Groups of 150 or more pieces in 3- 

digit/scheme trays qualify for the 3-digit 

rate. Pieces placed in full AADC trays in 

lieu of 3-digit/scheme overflow trays are 

eligible for 3-digit rates (see 245.7.5). 

c. Groups of fewer than 150 pieces in 

origin/entry 3-digit/scheme trays and 

groups of 150 or more pieces in AADC 

trays qualify for the AADC rate. Pieces 

placed in mixed AADC trays in lieu of 

AADC overflow trays also are eligible 

for AADC rates (see 245.7.5). 

d. Pieces in mixed AADC trays qualify 

for the mixed AADC rate, except for 

pieces prepared under 7.3c. 

* * * * * 

245 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.2 Definitions of Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Delete item b1 about automation ECR. 

Renumber items b2 through b8 as new 

items b1 through b7.] 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. A full letter tray is one in which 

faced, upright pieces fill the length of 

the tray between 85% and 100% full. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the last sentence in item e as 

follows:] 

e. * * * When standards require 5- 

digit/scheme sort, mailers must prepare 

all possible 5-digit scheme trays, then 

prepare all possible 5-digit trays. 

[Revise item f by adding a new last 

sentence as follows:] 

f. * * * When standards require 3- 

digit/scheme sort, mailers must prepare 

all possible 3-digit scheme trays, then 

prepare all possible 3-digit trays. 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56597 

2.0 Bundles 

* * * * * 

2.3 Preparing Bundles 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c by deleting ‘‘and for 

Standard Mail pieces where the mailer 

has requested ‘‘manual only’’

processing.’’ Revise item d by deleting 

the second sentence.] 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading in 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Preparation for Nonautomation 

Letters 

* * * * * 

5.2 Marking 

[Revise 5.2 by deleting ‘‘AUTOCR’’ in 

the last sentence.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.3. Renumber current 5.4 and 

5.5 as new 5.3 and 5.4.] 

5.3 Machinable Preparation 

5.3.1 Machinable Bundling 

* * * * * 

[Delete item b. Renumber item c as new 

item b.] 

* * * * * 

5.3.2 Traying and Labeling 

[Replace the first sentence in 5.3.2 with 

new text as follows:] 

Instead of preparing overflow AADC 

trays with fewer than 150 pieces, 

mailers may include these pieces in 

mixed AADC trays. * * * 

* * * * * 

[Delete items a through c. Renumber 

items d and e as new items a and b and 

revise as follows:] 

a. AADC (required); 150-piece 

minimum (overflow allowed); labeling: 

* * * 

* * * * * 

b. Mixed AADC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

5.4 Nonmachinable Preparation 

5.4.1 Nonmachinable Bundling 

[Revise renumbered 5.4.1 to delete the 

fourth sentence about manual 

processing.] 

* * * * * 

5.4.2 Traying and Labeling 

[Revise introductory text in 5.4.2 and 

items a through c as follows:] 

Overflow trays are not allowed. 

Preparation sequence, tray size, and 

labeling: 

a. 5-digit (required); 150-piece 

minimum; labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

b. 3-digit (required); 150-piece 

minimum; labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

c. ADC (required); 150-piece 

minimum; labeling: * * * 

* * * * * 

6.0 Preparation for Enhanced Carrier 

Route Letters 

6.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise 6.1 by deleting ‘‘(Enhanced 

Carrier Route automation rate mailings 

must be prepared under 7.0)’’ in the 

introductory text.] 

* * * * * 

6.4 Carrier Route Bundle Preparation 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. Mailers must prepare only carrier 

route bundles, except under 6.7. Carrier 

route bundles are not permitted in full 

carrier route trays, except for card-size 

pieces. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 6.6 as follows:] 

6.6 General Traying and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 6.7 through 6.9 as new 6.8 

through 6.10. Insert new 6.7 as follows:] 

6.7 Traying and Labeling for 

Enhanced Carrier Route Letters for ZIP 

Codes Identified in the City State 

Product 

Mailers preparing automationcompatible, barcoded ECR letters that 

weigh up to 3 ounces for ZIP Codes 

identified with a ‘‘C’’ or a ‘‘D’’ in the 

Carrier Route indicators in the USPS 

City State Product must make full 

carrier route and 5-digit carrier routes 

trays. Except for card-size pieces, pieces 

must not be bundled. Group pieces 

together by carrier route in 5-digit and 

3-digit carrier routes trays. If pieces for 

one carrier route do not result in a full 

tray, mailers must combine pieces for 

more than one route to make full 5-digit 

carrier routes trays, grouping pieces 

together by carrier route. If pieces for 

multiple carrier routes do not result in 

a full 5-digit tray, mailers must combine 

pieces for more than one 5-digit ZIP 

Code to make 3-digit carrier routes trays, 

grouping pieces together by carrier 

route. If pieces fill more than one tray 

but do not fill an additional tray, 

mailers must place excess pieces in a 

tray at the next sortation level. 

Preparation sequence, tray size, and 

labeling: 

a. Carrier route: required; full trays 

only, no overflow. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code on mail (see 4.0 for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: for saturation, ‘‘STD LTR BC 

WSS,’’ followed by route type and 

number; for high density, ‘‘STD LTR BC 

WSH,’’ followed by route type and 

number; for basic, ‘‘STD LTR BC LOT,’’

followed by route type and number. 

b. 5-digit carrier routes: required; full 

trays only, no overflow, no bundling. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code on mail (see 4.0 for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 5–D CR–RT BC.’’

c. 3-digit carrier routes: required; 

bundling required in less than full trays. 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 3-digit ZIP 

Code prefix shown in L002, Column A, 

that corresponds to 3-digit ZIP Code 

prefix on mail. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD LTR 3–D CR–RT BC.’’

* * * * * 

7.0 Preparation for Automation Rate 

Letters 

* * * * * 

7.2 Mailings 

[Restructure 7.2 by deleting the 

introductory text and item b. Make item 

a the new text.] 

* * * * * 

7.3 Marking 

[Revise 7.3 by deleting the parenthetical 

phrase in the second sentence and 

deleting ‘‘AUTOCR’’ in the last 

sentence.] 

* * * * * 

7.4 General Preparation 

[Revise 7.4 to delete carrier route 

references and add a new last sentence 

as follows:] 

Grouping, bundling, and labeling are 

not generally required or permitted, 

except bundling is required in any 

mailing consisting entirely of card-size 

pieces and for pieces in overflow and 

less-than-full trays, and grouping is 

required under 7.5. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 7.5 and 7.6 about carrier route 

trays and pieces. Renumber 7.7 through 

7.9 as new 7.5 through 7.7.] 

7.5 Tray Preparation 

[Add new first, second, and third 

sentences about overflow trays to 

renumbered 7.5 as follows:] 

Instead of preparing overflow trays 

with fewer than 150 pieces, mailers may 

include these pieces in the next tray 

level if it results in a full tray. Pieces 

must be grouped by destination. When 

using this option, it must be applied to 

the entire mailing. Preparation 

sequence, tray size, and Line 1 labeling: 

[Delete items a through c about carrier 

routes trays. Renumber items d through 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56598 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

g as new items a through d. Revise 

renumbered item a to require 5-digit/ 

scheme trays for rate as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e): optional, 

but required for 5-digit rate (150-piece 

minimum); overflow allowed; for Line 

1, label as follows: 

1. For 5-digit scheme trays, use 

destination shown in the current USPS 

City State Product. 

2. For 5-digit trays, use city, state, and 

5-digit ZIP Code destination on pieces 

(see 4.0 for overseas military mail). 

* * * * * 

7.6 Tray Line 2 

* * * * * 

[Delete items a through c about carrier 

routes; renumber items d through i as 

new items a through f.] 

* * * * * 

246 Enter and Deposit 

* * * * * 

4.0 Destination Sectional Center 

Facility (DSCF) Entry 

* * * * * 

4.2 Eligibility 

[Revise 4.2 to allow pieces placed in 

AADC trays in lieu of in 3-digit trays 

under 245.7.5 to be eligible for DSCF 

rates, as follows:] 

Pieces in a mailing that meet the 

standards in 2.0 and 4.0 are eligible for 

DSCF rates when deposited at a DSCF 

(or USPS-designated facility); addressed 

for delivery within that SCF’s service 

area; and placed in a tray that is labeled 

to that DSCF, to the AADC that includes 

that DSCF under the preparation option 

in 245.7.5, or to a postal facility within 

its service area. See 5.2 for additional 

DSCF rate eligibility for letters. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) 

Entry 

* * * * * 

5.2 Eligibility 

[Revise 5.2 to reorganize text and 

eliminate the DDU entry discount as 

follows:] 

Letter-size mailpieces are not eligible 

for a destination delivery unit (DDU) 

discount. Mailers may deposit mail at a 

DDU under all of the following 

conditions: 

a. Mailers may deposit letter-size 

pieces that meet the standards in 2.0 

and 5.0 at a DDU when: 

1. Those pieces are addressed for 

delivery within that facility’s service 

area (enhanced carrier route only). 

2. The pieces are placed in properly 

prepared and labeled carrier route trays 

or 5-digit carrier routes trays, or on 

pallets under 705.8.0. 

3. The pieces are eligible for and 

claimed at a carrier route rate. 

b. Letter-size mailpieces eligible for 

DDU entry under 5.2a are eligible for 

DSCF rates under either of these 

conditions: 

1. The pieces are prepared with 

simplified addresses under 602.3.2. 

2. Mailers may deposit only one 

mailing (of fewer than 2,500 pieces) per 

day. The annual presort mailing fee 

must be paid at the office of deposit. 

* * * * * 

300 Discount Mail: Flats 

301 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for Flats 

1.1 General Definition of Flat-Size 

Mail 

* * * * * 

[Add an exception for Periodicals mail 

in item b as follows:] 

b. Not more than 15 inches long, or 

more than 12 inches high, or greater 

than 3⁄4 inch thick, except for 

Periodicals mail under 707.25.3. 

[Replace items c and d with new items 

c and d as follows:] 

c. Rectangular. 

d. Other size or weight standards may 

apply to mail claimed at certain rates, 

mail addressed to certain APOs and 

FPOs, and mail sent by the Department 

of State to U.S. government personnel 

abroad. 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 1.3 through 1.6 as follows:] 

1.3 Shape 

Each flat-size piece must be 

rectangular. See 2.0 for additional 

standards by class of mail. 

1.4 Flexibility 

Flat-size pieces must meet minimum 

flexibility criteria. Test flexibility as 

follows: 

a. For pieces 10 inches or longer: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece 5 inches 

off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a central 

point about an inch off the edge of the 

surface, exerting a steady pressure. 

3. The piece is flexible if it can bend 

at least 2 inches without being damaged. 

b. For pieces less than 10 inches long: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece one-half of 

its length off the surface. 

2. Press down on the piece at a central 

point about an inch off the edge of the 

surface, exerting a steady pressure. 

3. The piece is flexible if it can bend 

at least 1 inch without being damaged. 

[Insert new 1.5 as follows:] 

1.5 Uniform Thickness 

The contents of a flat-size mailpiece 

must remain uniformly thick so that the 

dimensions of the envelope, wrapper, or 

sleeve remain constant. If the contents 

are of irregular thickness or significantly 

smaller than the envelope, wrapper, or 

sleeve, those contents must be secured 

to prevent shifting within the wrapping 

during processing and surrounded with 

material or padding to ensure that the 

mailpiece remains uniformly thick. 

[Insert new 1.6 as follows:] 

1.6 Flat-Size Pieces Not Eligible for 

Flat-Size Rates 

Mailpieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 are not 

eligible for flat-size rates and must pay 

applicable rates as follows: 

a. First-Class Mail—parcel rates. 

b. Standard Mail—Not FlatMachinable or parcel rates. 

c. Bound Printed Matter—parcel rates. 

[Revise the heading of 2.0 to delete 

‘‘Presorted.’’] 

2.0 Physical Standards for 

Nonautomation Flats 

2.1 First-Class Mail 

[Revise 2.1 as follows:] 

These additional standards apply to 

First-Class Mail flat-size pieces: 

a. First-Class Mail cannot exceed 13 

ounces. First-Class Mail weighing more 

than 13 ounces is Priority Mail. 

b. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels and pay the 

applicable parcel rate. 

* * * * * 

2.2 Standard Mail 

2.2.1 Basic Physical Standards 

[Revise the introductory text as follows:] 

These additional standards apply to 

Standard Mail flat-size pieces: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item b. Insert new item b as 

follows:] 

b. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces and pay the parcel or 

Not Flat-Machinable rates (see 401). 

* * * * * 

[Delete current Exhibit 2.2.1b.] 

* * * * * 

2.3 Bound Printed Matter 

2.3.1 General Standards 

[Delete item c in 2.3.1. Renumber items 

a and b as new items b and c. Revise 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56599 

the introductory text and insert new 

item a as follows:] 

These additional standards apply to 

Bound Printed Matter: 

a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels and pay the 

applicable parcel rate. 

* * * * * 

2.4 Media Mail 

* * * * * 

[Delete item c. Renumber items a and b 

as new items b and c. Insert new item 

a as follows:] 

a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 1.3 through 1.5 must be 

prepared as parcels. 

* * * * * 

2.5 Library Mail 

* * * * * 

[Delete item c. Renumber items a and b 

as new items b and c. Insert new item 

a as follows:] 

a. Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

flexibility standards in 1.3 through 1.5 

must be prepared as parcels. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Physical Standards for 

Automation Flats 

3.1 Basic Standards for Automation 

Flats 

[Revise 3.1 as follows:] 

Flat-size pieces claimed at automation 

rates must meet the standards in 3.0 and 

the eligibility standards for the class of 

mail and rate claimed. Pieces prepared 

with polywrap film must meet the 

standards in 3.4. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading of 3.3 as follows:] 

3.3 Additional Criteria for 

Automation Flats 

[Revise the title and text of 3.3.1 as 

follows:] 

3.3.1 Address Placement on Folded 

Pieces 

Mailers must design folded pieces so 

that the address is in view when the 

final folded edge is at the bottom of the 

piece and any intermediate bound or 

folded edge is to the right. 

3.3.2 Shape and Size 

[Revise 3.3.2 to specify the minimum 

and maximum dimensions as follows:] 

Each flat-size piece must be 

rectangular. The following minimum 

and maximum dimensions apply to 

First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, 

Periodicals (except under 707.25.3), and 

Bound Printed Matter pieces: 

1. Minimum height is 5 inches. 

Maximum height is 12 inches. 

2. Minimum length is 6 inches. 

Maximum length is 15 inches. 

3. Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch. 

Maximum thickness is 0.75 inch. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 3.3.4 to 

delete standards for turning ability and 

add new standards for flexibility as 

follows:] 

3.3.4 Flexibility 

An automation flat-size mailpiece 

must be flexible (see 1.4) and must meet 

maximum deflection standards. Test 

deflection as follows: 

a. For pieces 10 inches or longer: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece 5 inches 

off the surface. 

2. The piece is automation-compatible 

if it does not droop more than 4 inches. 

b. For pieces less than 10 inches long: 

1. Place the piece with the length 

perpendicular to the edge of a flat 

surface and extend the piece one-half of 

its length off the surface. 

2. The piece is automation-compatible 

if it does not droop more than 2 inches. 

[Delete 3.4 to remove the standards for 

UFSM 1000 flats. Renumber 3.5 through 

3.9 as new 3.4 through 3.8.] 

3.4 Polywrap Coverings 

[Revise heading and text of renumbered 

3.4.1 as follows:] 

3.4.1 Polywrap Films and Similar 

Coverings 

When mailers use polywrap film or 

similar material to enclose flat-size 

mailpieces claimed at automation rates, 

the material must meet the standards in 

3.4. Film approved for use under 3.4.5 

must meet the specifications in Exhibit 

3.4.1 as follows: 

a. Films or similar coverings must 

meet all eight properties in Exhibit 

3.4.1. 

b. If the address label is affixed to the 

outside of the polywrap, the haze 

property (property 2) does not apply. 

3.4.2 Wrap Direction and Seam 

Placement 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. The wrap direction must be around 

the longer axis of the mailpiece, with 

the seam parallel to that axis. The longer 

axis is always parallel to the length of 

the mailpiece. 

[Revise the first sentence in item b as 

follows:] 

b. The preferred seam placement is on 

the nonaddressed side of the mailpiece. 

* * * 

3.4.3 Overhang 

[Revise 3.4.3 by deleting item b and 

restructuring the text as follows:] 

For purposes of the polywrap 

standards for overhang (selvage) only, 

the top edge of the mailpiece is one of 

the two physically longer edges of the 

piece, regardless of address orientation 

and whether bound or unbound. Any 

polywrap overhang (selvage) around the 

four edges of the mailpiece (top, bottom, 

and left and right sides) must meet these 

standards: 

a. When the mailpiece contents are 

totally positioned at the bottom of the 

polywrap, the overhang must not be 

more than 0.5 inch at the top of the 

mailpiece. 

b. When the mailpiece contents are 

totally positioned to the left or to the 

right side of the polywrap, the overhang 

must not be more than 1.5 inches on the 

opposite side. 

c. The polywrap covering must not be 

so tight that it bends the mailpiece. 

[Delete 3.4.4.] 

* * * * * 

3.8 Uniformity and Exterior Format 

3.8.1 General 

[Revise 3.8.1 by adding a reference to 

1.5 in the first sentence as follows:] 

A flat-size mailpiece prepared and 

claimed at automation rates must be 

uniformly thick (see 1.5). * * * 

* * * * * 

[Delete 3.8.3 (this information was 

relocated to 1.5). Renumber 3.8.4 as new 

3.8.3.] 

* * * * * 

302 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

2.0 Placement and Content of Mail 

Markings 

2.1 First-Class Mail and Standard 

Mail Markings 

2.1.1 Placement 

* * * * * 

[Revise items b and b3 as follows:] 

b. Other Markings. Mailers may place 

rate-specific markings as follows: 

* * * * * 

3. If preceded by two asterisks (**), 

the ‘‘AUTO,’’ ‘‘PRESORTED’’ (or 

‘‘PRSRT’’), ‘‘CUSTOMIZED 

MARKETMAIL’’ (or ‘‘CUST MKTMAIL’’

or ‘‘CMM’’), or ‘‘Single-Piece’’ (or 

‘‘SNGLP’’) markings also may be placed 

on the line directly above or two lines 

above the address in a mailer keyline or 

a manifest keyline, or it may be placed 

above the address and below the postage 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56600 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

in an MLOCR ink-jet printed date 

correction/meter drop shipment line. 

* * * * * 

2.1.2 Exceptions to Markings 

* * * * * 

[Delete ‘‘AUTOCR’’ in item b as 

follows:] 

b. Manifest Mailings. The basic 

marking must appear in the postage area 

on each piece. The two-letter rate 

category code required in the keyline on 

manifest mailing pieces prepared under 

705.2.0 meets the requirement for other 

rate markings. 

* * * * * 

330 Discount Flats: First-Class Mail 

333 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all First-Class Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail 

1.1 Rate Application 

[Revise 1.1 as follows:] 

Postage is based on the flat-size rate 

that applies to the weight of each 

addressed piece. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Rate Eligibility for First-Class Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

3.6 ZIP Code Accuracy 

3.6.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise 3.6.1 as follows:] 

The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a 

means of ensuring that the ZIP+4 or 5- 

digit ZIP Code in the delivery address 

correctly matches the delivery address 

information. For the purposes of this 

standard, address means a specific 

address associated with a specific ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code. Effective July 2009, 

mailers of all discount letters, flats, and 

parcels must properly code and match 

their address lists using one of the 

CASS-certified address matching 

methods in 708.3.0 and use the correct 

ZIP+4 code on each mailpiece. Mailers 

are encouraged to begin this practice 

immediately. Addresses used on pieces 

claiming discount rates must meet these 

requirements: 

a. Each address and associated ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code used on the 

mailpieces in a mailing must be verified 

and corrected within 12 months before 

the mailing date with one of the USPSapproved methods in 3.6.2. 

b. If an address used on a mailpiece 

in a mailing at one class of mail and rate 

is verified and corrected with an 

approved method, the same address 

may be used during the following 12 

months to meet the ZIP Code accuracy 

standard required for mailing at any 

other class of mail and rate. 

* * * * * 

4.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation First-Class Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text in 4.3 as 

follows:] 

4.3 Nonmachinable Flat-Size Pieces 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels and pay the 

applicable parcel rate. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Automation Rate First-Class Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

[Delete 5.2 and renumber 5.3 through 

5.6 as new 5.2 through 5.5.] 

* * * * * 

340 Discount Flats: Standard Mail 

343 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Standard Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Standards for Standard Mail 

Flats 

* * * * * 

3.2 Defining Characteristics 

[Revise heading and text of 3.2.1 as 

follows:] 

3.2.1 Mailpiece Weight Limit, Shape, 

and Flexibility 

All Standard Mail pieces must weigh 

less than 16 ounces. Flat-size pieces that 

do not meet the standards in 301.1.3 

through 301.1.5 must be prepared as 

parcels or Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

and pay parcel or Not Flat-Machinable 

rates (see 401). 

* * * * * 

3.8 ZIP Code Accuracy 

3.8.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise the introductory text and item a 

in 3.8.1 as follows:] 

The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a 

means of ensuring that the ZIP+4 or 5- 

digit ZIP Code in the delivery address 

correctly matches the delivery address 

information. For the purposes of this 

standard, address means a specific 

address associated with a specific ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code. Effective July 2009, 

mailers of all discount letters, flats, and 

parcels must properly code and match 

their address lists using one of the 

CASS-certified address matching 

methods in 708.3.0 and use the correct 

ZIP+4 code on each mailpiece. Mailers 

are encouraged to begin this practice 

immediately. Except for mail bearing a 

simplified address, addresses used on 

pieces claiming discount rates must 

meet these requirements: 

a. Each address and associated ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code used on the 

mailpieces in a mailing must be verified 

and corrected within 12 months before 

the mailing date with one of the USPSapproved methods in 3.8.2. 

[Delete item b and renumber items c 

and d as new items b and c.] 

* * * * * 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b2 to change the rates for 

Customized MarketMail to the NFM 

rates as follows:] 

2. Pieces mailed as Customized 

MarketMail under 705.1.0 must pay 

Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail 5- 

digit nonentry rates for Not FlatMachinable pieces and must not exceed 

3.3 ounces. 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text of 4.4 as 

follows:] 

4.4 Rigid Flat-Size Pieces 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces and pay parcel or 

Not Flat-Machinable rates (see 401). 

[Revise heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Nonautomation Standard Mail Flats 

* * * * * 

[Replace 5.3 and 5.4 with new 5.3 

through 5.6 as follows:] 

5.3 5-Digit Rates for Flats 

The 5-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or 

more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable; properly placed in a 5-digit/ 

scheme sack containing at least 125 

pieces or 15 pounds of pieces. 

b. When palletized under 705.8.0 and 

705.10.0 through 705.13.0, in a 5-digit/ 

scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces, or 

15 or more pieces, as applicable. 

c. In a 5-digit bundle of 10 or more 

pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable; properly placed in a merged 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56601 

5-digit/scheme or 5-digit sack under 

705.10.0. 

5.4 3-Digit Rates for Flats 

The 3-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 or 

more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable, or in a 3-digit/scheme 

bundle of 10 or more pieces; properly 

placed in a 3-digit sack of at least 125 

pieces or 15 pounds of pieces. 

b. When palletized under 705.8.0 and 

705.10.0 through 705.13.0, in a 3-digit/ 

scheme bundle of 10 or more pieces. 

5.5 ADC Rates for Flats 

ADC rates apply to flat-size pieces: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme, 3-digit/scheme, 

or ADC bundle of 10 or more pieces 

properly placed in an ADC sack of at 

least 125 pieces or 15 pounds of pieces. 

b. When palletized under 705.8.0 and 

705.10 through 705.13, in an ADC 

bundle of 10 or more pieces; properly 

placed on an ADC pallet. 

5.6 Mixed ADC Rates for Flats 

Mixed ADC rates apply to flat-size 

pieces in bundles that do not qualify for 

5-digit, 3 digit, or ADC rates; placed in 

mixed ADC sacks or on ASF, BMC, or 

mixed BMC pallets under 705.8.0. 

* * * * * 

7.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Automation Standard Mail Flats 

* * * * * 

7.2 Rate Application 

[Revise 7.2 as follows:] 

Automation rates apply to each piece 

properly sorted into qualifying groups: 

a. The 5-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces in a 5-digit/scheme bundle of 10 

or more pieces, or 15 or more pieces, as 

applicable. 

b. The 3-digit rate applies to flat-size 

pieces in a 3-digit/scheme bundle of 10 

or more pieces. 

c. The ADC rate applies to flat-size 

pieces in an ADC bundle of 10 or more 

pieces. 

d. The mixed ADC rate applies to flatsize pieces in mixed ADC bundles (no 

minimum). 

* * * * * 

345 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

* * * * * 

[Revise the first sentence in items c and 

K as follows:] 

c. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: 

* * * 

* * * * * 

k. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: * * * 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Revise item f as follows:] 

f. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit 

bundles for other ZIP Codes. When 

standards require 5-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit 

scheme bundles and sacks of flats, then 

prepare all possible 5-digit bundles and 

sacks. The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each 

scheme are treated as a single presort 

destination subject to a single minimum 

volume, with no further separation 

required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 5-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate 

containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5- 

digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item h by replacing ‘‘Presorted’’

with ‘‘nonautomation’’ in the first 

sentence and ‘‘irregular parcels’’ with 

‘‘nonmachinable parcels’’ in the fifth 

sentence.] 

* * * * * 

[Revise item n as follows:] 

n. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. When 

standards require 3-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit 

scheme bundles of flats, then prepare all 

possible 3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP 

Codes in each scheme are treated as a 

single presort destination subject to a 

single minimum volume, with no 

further separation by 3-digit ZIP Code 

required. Bundles prepared for a 3-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 3-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place 3-digit scheme bundles in 

3-digit through mixed ADC containers, 

as applicable, using the OEL ‘‘label to’’

3-digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise 5.0 to change ‘‘presorted’’ flats 

to ‘‘nonautomation’’ flats throughout.] 

5.0 Preparation for Nonautomation 

Flats 

5.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. All pieces must be in the flat-size 

processing category. 

[Revise item b by deleting ‘‘AUTOCR.’’] 

* * * * * 

5.3 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.3 as 

follows:] 

Only pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0 may be 

prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles for 

those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L007 and in 3-digit scheme bundles for 

those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L008. * * * 

[Revise items a and b as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required), see 

definition in 1.4f. 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required), see 

definition in 1.4n. 

* * * * * 

5.7 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0 (required), see definition in 1.4f; 

125-piece or 15-pound minimum; 

labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use 

L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use 

city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces. (see 4.2 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD FLTS 5D SCH NON BC.’’ For 5- 

digit sacks, ‘‘STD FLTS 5D NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

7.0 Preparation for Automation Rate 

Flats 

[Delete 7.4. Renumber 7.5 through 7.9 as 

new 7.4 through 7.8.] 

7.4 Standard Mail Bundle Preparation 

7.4.1 Bundling and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit/scheme 

preparation as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see 

definition in 1.4f * * * 

* * * * * 

[Delete item b. Renumber item c as new 

item b and revise to require 3-digit 

scheme preparation as follows:] 


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b. 3-digit/scheme (required); see 

definition in 1.4n * * * 

* * * * * 

[Delete current item d. Renumber items 

e and f as new items c and d.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete renumbered 7.4.2. Renumber 

7.4.3 and 7.4.4 as new 7.4.2 and 7.4.3.] 

7.4.3 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a in renumbered 7.4.3 as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required containing 

5-digit scheme bundles only; see 

definition in 1.4f); 125-piece or 15- 

pound minimum, labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use 

L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks use 

city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail 

(see 4.2 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘STD FLTS 5D SCH BC.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘STD FLTS 5D BC.’’

[Delete item b. Renumber items c though 

f as items b through e.] 

* * * * * 

[Delete current 7.6; renumber current 

7.7 through 7.9 as new 7.5 through 7.7 

Revise renumbered 7.5 through 7.7 by 

replacing ‘‘presorted’’ with 

‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout.] 

7.7 Exception—Automation and 

Nonautomation Pieces on Pallets 

[Replace ‘‘nonletter’’ with ‘‘flat-size’’

throughout renumbered 7.7.] 

* * * * * 

360 Discount Flats: Bound Printed 

Matter 

[Incorporate the standards for Bound 

Printed Matter in 160 into 360. Make 

revisions throughout to change singlepiece Bound Printed Matter to 

‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound Printed Matter 

and make following additional 

changes:] 

363 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Bound Printed Matter services in 

‘‘Rates and Fees’’ at the end of this 

notice, after all of the proposed mailing 

standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Bound Printed 

Matter 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:] 

1.3 Nonpresorted Bound Printed 

Matter Rates 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must pay the applicable parcel rate 

based on weight and zone. 

[Revise the heading of renumbered 1.4 

as follows:] 

1.4 Discount Bound Printed Matter 

Rates 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 1.4.3 as follows:] 

1.4.3 Rigid Flat-Size Pieces 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels and pay the 

applicable parcel rate based on weight 

and zone. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Basic Standards for Bound Printed 

Matter Flats 

* * * * * 

3.3 ZIP Code Accuracy 

3.3.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise the introductory text and item a 

in 3.3.1 as follows:] 

The ZIP Code accuracy standard is a 

means of ensuring that the ZIP+4 or 5- 

digit ZIP Code in the delivery address 

correctly matches the delivery address 

information. For the purposes of this 

standard, address means a specific 

address associated with a specific ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code. Effective July 2009, 

mailers of all discount letters, flats, and 

parcels must properly code and match 

their address lists using one of the 

CASS-certified address matching 

methods in 708.3.0 and use the correct 

ZIP+4 code on each mailpiece. Mailers 

are encouraged to begin this practice 

immediately. Except for mail bearing a 

simplified address, addresses used on 

pieces claiming discount rates must 

meet these requirements: 

a. Each address and associated ZIP+4 

or 5-digit ZIP Code used on the 

mailpieces in a mailing must be verified 

and corrected within 12 months before 

the mailing date with one of the USPSapproved methods in 3.3.2. 

[Delete item b and renumber items c 

and d as new items b and c.] 

* * * * * 

365 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

* * * * * 

[Revise the first sentence in items c and 

h as follows:] 

c. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: 

* * * 

* * * * * 

h. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: * * * 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Revise item e for 5-digit scheme sort as 

follows:] 

e. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit 

bundles for other ZIP Codes. When 

standards require 5-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit 

scheme bundles and sacks of flats before 

preparing 5-digit bundles and sacks. 

The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme 

are treated as a single presort 

destination subject to a single minimum 

volume, with no further separation 

required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 5-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate 

containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5- 

digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item g for 3-digit scheme sort as 

follows:] 

g. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. When 

standards require 3-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit 

scheme bundles of flats before preparing 

3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP Codes 

in each scheme are treated as a single 

presort destination subject to a single 

minimum volume, with no further 

separation by 3-digit ZIP Code required. 

Bundles prepared for a 3-digit scheme 

destination that contain pieces for only 

one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP Codes 

are still considered 3-digit scheme 

sorted and are labeled accordingly. 

Mailpieces must be labeled using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Three-digit scheme bundles are 

placed in 3-digit through mixed ADC 

containers, as applicable, using the OEL 

‘‘label to’’ 3-digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Presorted Flats 

* * * * * 

5.2 Bundling 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56603 

5.2.2 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as 

follows:] 

Only pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0 may be 

prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles for 

those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L007 and in 3-digit scheme bundles for 

those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L008. * * * 

[Revise items a and b to make 5-digit 

and 3-digit schemes required as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme (required); red Label 

5 or optional endorsement line (OEL). 

See definition in 1.4e. 

b. 3-digit scheme (required); green 

Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4g. 

5.3 Sacking 

* * * * * 

5.3.5 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a and a1 as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0 (see 1.4e) (required), minimum 

20 addressed pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, ‘‘

PSVC FLTS 5D SCH NON BC.’’ For 5- 

digit sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

7.0 Preparation for Barcoded Flats 

* * * * * 

7.3 Bundling 

* * * * * 

7.3.2 Bundle Preparation 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a and b as follows to make 

5-digit and 3-digit schemes required. 

Delete item d and renumber items e and 

f as new items d and e.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme: (required); 

minimum 10 pieces or 10 pounds, 

maximum weight 20 pounds; optional 

endorsement line (OEL) required. See 

definition in 1.4e. 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required); 

minimum 10 pieces or 10 pounds, 

maximum weight 20 pounds; OEL 

required. See definition in 1.4g. 

* * * * * 

7.3.3 Scheme Bundle Preparation 

[Revise 7.3.3 as follows:] 

See 1.4e and 1.4g for additional 

standards for pieces prepared in scheme 

bundles. 

7.4 Sacking 

7.4.1 Sack Preparation and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows. Delete item b 

and renumber items c through f as new 

items b through e.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (see 1.4e) (required), 

minimum 20 addressed pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.2 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D SCH BC.’’

* * * * * 

366 Enter and Deposit 

1.0 Presenting a Mailing 

[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:] 

1.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted, 

Carrier Route, Destination Entry, and 

Barcoded Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.2 through 1.5 as new 1.3 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.2 as follows:] 

1.2 Verification and Entry—

Nonpresorted Mailings 

Nonpresorted rate Bound Printed 

Matter is not offered at post offices, 

branches, stations, or through Postal 

Service carriers, except under 1.2c and 

1.2d. Mailers must deposit 

Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter as 

follows: 

a. At the time and place specified by 

the postmaster at the office of mailing. 

b. For metered mail, at other than the 

licensing post office only as permitted 

under 705.17.0, Metered Mail Drop 

Shipment. 

c. For permit imprint mail, only at the 

post office where the permit is held (see 

604.5.0). 

d. At any post office, branch, or 

station, or with a Postal Service carrier, 

if the correct postage is applied, 

including postage for any extra service 

elected. 

* * * * * 

370 Discount Flats: Media Mail 

373 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Media Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Media Mail 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:] 

1.3 Rigid Flat-Size Pieces 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels and pay the 

applicable parcel rate based on weight 

and entry. 

* * * * * 

375 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item b as new item c. Insert 

new item b for 5-digit scheme sort as 

follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP 

Code zones processed by the USPS as a 

single scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items d and f as new items 

e and g. Insert new item d for 3-digit 

scheme sort as follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in 

the delivery address on all pieces begins 

with one of the 3-digit ZIP Code zones 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L008. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through f as new 

items e through h. Insert new items c 

and d for 5-digit and 3-digit scheme 

sorts as follows:] 

c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit 

bundles for other ZIP Codes. When 

standards require 5-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit 

scheme bundles and sacks of flats before 

preparing 5-digit bundles and sacks. 

The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme 

are treated as a single presort 

destination subject to a single minimum 

volume, with no further separation 

required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 5-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate 

containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5- 

digit ZIP Code. 

d. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56604 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. When 

standards require 3-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit 

scheme bundles of flats before preparing 

3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP Codes 

in each scheme are treated as a single 

presort destination subject to a single 

minimum volume, with no further 

separation by 3-digit ZIP Code required. 

Bundles prepared for a 3-digit scheme 

destination that contain pieces for only 

one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP Codes 

are still considered 3-digit scheme 

sorted and are labeled accordingly. 

Mailpieces must be labeled using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place 3-digit scheme bundles in 

3-digit through mixed ADC containers, 

as applicable, using the OEL ‘‘label to’’

3-digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Presorted Flats 

* * * * * 

5.2 Bundling 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as 

follows:] 

Only pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0 may be 

prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles for 

those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L007 and in 3-digit scheme bundles for 

those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L008. * * * 

[Revise items a and b to make 5-digit 

and 3-digit schemes required as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); red Label 5 or 

optional endorsement line (OEL). See 

definition in 1.4c. 

b. 3-digit/scheme (required); green 

Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4d. 

5.3 Sacking 

* * * * * 

5.3.2 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0 (see 1.4c) (optional, but required 

for 5-digit rate), minimum 10 addressed 

pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, ‘‘

PSVC FLTS 5D SCH NON BC.’’ For 5- 

digit sacks, ‘‘PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

380 Discount Flats: Library Mail 

383 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Library Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees for Library Mail 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.3 through 1.5 as new 1.4 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.3 as follows:] 

1.3 Rigid Flat-Size Pieces 

Flat-size pieces that do not meet the 

standards in 301.1.3 through 301.1.5 

must be prepared as parcels and pay the 

applicable parcel rate based on weight 

and entry. 

* * * * * 

385 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item b as new item c. Insert 

new item b for 5-digit scheme sort as 

follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats meeting the automationcompatibility standards in 301.3.0: the 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP 

Code zones processed by the USPS as a 

single scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items d and f as new items 

e and g. Insert new item d for 3-digit 

scheme sort as follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0: the ZIP Code in 

the delivery address on all pieces begins 

with one of the 3-digit ZIP Code zones 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L008. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through f as new 

items e through h. Insert new items c 

and d for 5-digit and 3-digit scheme 

sorts as follows:] 

c. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and 5-digit 

bundles for other ZIP Codes. When 

standards require 5-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit 

scheme bundles and sacks of flats before 

preparing 5-digit bundles and sacks. 

The 5-digit ZIP Codes in each scheme 

are treated as a single presort 

destination subject to a single minimum 

volume, with no further separation 

required. Bundles prepared for a 5-digit 

scheme destination that contain pieces 

for only one of the schemed 5-digit ZIP 

Codes are still considered 5-digit 

scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. Label mailpieces using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place bundles in appropriate 

containers using the OEL ‘‘label to’’ 5- 

digit ZIP Code. 

d. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

meeting the automation-compatibility 

standards in 301.3.0 yields 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. When 

standards require 3-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 3-digit 

scheme bundles of flats before preparing 

3-digit bundles. The 3-digit ZIP Codes 

in each scheme are treated as a single 

presort destination subject to a single 

minimum volume, with no further 

separation by 3-digit ZIP Code required. 

Bundles prepared for a 3-digit scheme 

destination that contain pieces for only 

one of the schemed 3-digit ZIP Codes 

are still considered 3-digit scheme 

sorted and are labeled accordingly. 

Mailpieces must be labeled using an 

optional endorsement line (OEL) under 

708.7.0. Place 3-digit scheme bundles in 

3-digit through mixed ADC containers, 

as applicable, using the OEL ‘‘label to’’

3-digit ZIP Code. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Presorted Flats 

* * * * * 

5.2 Bundling 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Bundling and Labeling 

[Add a new first sentence to 5.2.2 as 

follows:] 

Only pieces meeting the automationcompatibility criteria in 301.3.0 may be 

prepared in 5-digit scheme bundles for 

those 5-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L007 and in 3-digit scheme bundles for 

those 3-digit ZIP Codes identified in 

L008. * * * 

[Revise items a and b as follows to make 

5-digit and 3-digit schemes required:] 

a. 5-digit scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); red Label 5 or 

optional endorsement line (OEL). See 

definition in 1.4c. 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56605 

b. 3-digit scheme (required); green 

Label 3 or OEL. See definition in 1.4d. 

5.3 Sacking 

* * * * * 

5.3.2 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a and a1 as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme for pieces meeting 

the automation-compatibility criteria in 

301.3.0 (see 1.4c) (optional, but required 

for 5-digit rate), minimum 10 addressed 

pieces; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L007, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.5 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, ‘‘

PSVC FLTS 5D SCH NON BC.’’ For 5- 

digit sacks, ‘‘ PSVC FLTS 5D NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

400 Discount Mail: Parcels 

[Change the terminology from 

‘‘irregular’’ parcels to ‘‘nonmachinable’’

parcels and from ‘‘IRREG’’ to ‘‘NON 

MACH’’ throughout 400.] 

401 Physical Standards 

1.0 Physical Standards for Parcels 

[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:] 

1.1 Processing Categories 

[Revise the first sentence of 1.1 as 

follows:] 

USPS categorizes parcels into one of 

three mail processing categories: 

machinable, nonmachinable, or outside 

parcel. * * * 

* * * * * 

1.5 Machinable Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Delete 1.5.4, Exclusions.] 

* * * * * 

2.0 Additional Physical Standards by 

Class of Mail 

2.1 First-Class Mail Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Delete current 2.1.2 and replace with 

new 2.1.2 as follows:] 

2.1.2 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in 5-digit sacks or 

paid at a single-piece rate, presorted 

parcels are subject to a $0.05 surcharge 

if any of the following characteristics 

apply: 

a. The parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN 

128 or POSTNET barcode. 

b. The parcels weigh less than 2 

ounces. 

c. The parcels are irregularly shaped, 

such as rolls, tubes, and triangles. 

[Revise the heading of 2.2 as follows:] 

2.2 Standard Mail Parcels and Not 

Flat-Machinable Pieces 

[Revise heading and text of 2.2.1 as 

follows:] 

2.2.1 Additional Physical Standards 

Each piece must weigh less than 16 

ounces. 

[Revise heading and text of 2.2.2 as 

follows:] 

2.2.2 Not Flat-Machinable Pieces 

Rectangular Standard Mail pieces 

with any of the following characteristics 

must be prepared as Not FlatMachinable (NFM) pieces or as parcels: 

a. Rigid pieces that do not meet the 

flexibility criteria in 301.1.4. 

b. Pieces over 15 inches long, up to 

a maximum of 153⁄4 inches long. 

c. Pieces over 3/4 inch thick, up to a 

maximum of 11⁄4 inches thick. 

d. Pieces less than either 5 inches 

high or 6 inches long (but no less than 

4 inches high or 4 inches long) and 

between 1⁄4 and 11⁄4 inches thick. 

e. Nonmachinable letter-size pieces 

weighing more than 3.3 ounces, unless 

they qualify to be mailed as flats. 

[Delete current 2.2.3 and replace with 

new 2.2.3 as follows:] 

2.2.3 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme 

containers, Standard Mail parcels and 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces are subject 

to a $0.05 surcharge if: 

a. The machinable or nonmachinable 

parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN 128 

barcode. 

b. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weigh 6 ounces or more and do not bear 

a UCC/EAN 128 barcode. 

c. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weigh less than 6 ounces and do not 

bear a UCC/EAN 128 or POSTNET 

barcode. 

2.3 Parcel Post 

2.3.1 General Standards 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. An item weighing less than 20 

pounds but measuring more than 84 

inches (but not more than 108 inches) 

in combined length and girth is charged 

the rate for a 20-pound parcel for the 

zone to which it is addressed (balloon 

rate). 

* * * * * 

402 Elements on the Face of a 

Mailpiece 

* * * * * 

2.0 Placement and Content of 

Markings 

2.1 First-Class Mail and Standard 

Mail Markings 

2.1.1 Placement 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item c as new item d. Insert 

new item c as follows:] 

c. Mark each NFM ‘‘NOT FLATMACHINABLE’’ or ‘‘NFM’’ in capital 

letters, either by including the marking 

in the optional endorsement line or by 

placing the marking immediately to the 

left of or below the postage area. See 

402.2.1.1. 

* * * * * 

430 Discount Parcels: First-Class Mail 

433 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all First-Class Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees for First-Class Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise 1.4 to change heading and text 

describing the surcharge as follows:] 

1.4 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme 

sacks or paid at the single-piece rates, 

presorted parcels are subject to a $0.05 

surcharge if any of the following 

characteristics apply: 

a. The parcels weigh less than 2 

ounces. 

b. The parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN 

128 or POSTNET barcode. 

c. The parcels are irregularly shaped, 

such as rolls, tubes, and triangles. 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 4.0 to describe Presorted 

parcel rates as follows:] 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Presorted FirstClass Mail Parcels 

4.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to presorted 

parcels in a 5-digit/scheme sack 

containing at least 10 pounds of parcels. 

4.2 3-Digit Rate 

The 3-digit rate applies to presorted 

parcels in a 3-digit sack containing at 

least 10 pounds of parcels. 

4.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to presorted 

parcels in an ADC sack containing at 

least 10 pounds of parcels. 

4.4 Single-Piece Rate 

The single-piece rate applies to 

presorted parcels in a mixed ADC sack. 


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56606 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

434 Postage Payment and 

Documentation 

* * * * * 

2.0 Postage Payment for Presorted 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

2.2 Affixed Postage for Presorted 

First-Class Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to remove 

‘‘nonmachinable surcharge’’ as follows:] 

b. A precanceled stamp or the full 

postage at the lowest First-Class Mail 1- 

ounce rate applicable to the mailing job, 

and full postage on metered pieces for 

additional ounce(s) or extra services. 

* * * * * 

435 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.2 Definition of Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Delete item b. Move item a into 

introductory text.] 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items a through e as new 

items b through f. Insert new item a as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme for First-Class Mail 

parcels: the ZIP Code in the delivery 

address on all pieces begins with one of 

the 5-digit ZIP Code zones processed by 

the USPS as a single scheme, as shown 

in L606. 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. The required quantity (for example, 

‘‘required at 10 pieces’’) means that the 

unit must be prepared for the 

corresponding presort level whenever 

the specified quantity of mail is reached 

or exceeded. Smaller quantities may be 

prepared only if permitted by the 

standards for each rate. 

* * * * * 

[Delete item g. Renumber item h as new 

item g and revise as follows:] 

g. A ‘‘logical’’ presort destination 

represents the total number of pieces 

that are eligible for a specific presort 

level based on the required sortation, 

but which might not be contained in a 

single container (sack or pallet) due to 

applicable preparation requirements or 

the size of the individual pieces. 

* * * * * 

[Delete 2.0, Bundles, and renumber 3.0 

through 5.0 as new 2.0 through 4.0.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Sack Labels 

* * * * * 

3.4 Line 2 (Content Line) 

[Revise the table in renumbered 3.4 to 

delete the entries for ‘‘General Delivery 

Unit,’’ ‘‘Highway Contract Route,’’ ‘‘Post 

Office Box Section’’, and ‘‘Rural 

Route.’’] 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading in renumbered 4.0 

as follows:] 

4.0 Preparation for Presorted Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Revise heading and text in 4.3 to 

remove bundling requirement as 

follows:] 

4.3 Bundling 

Bundling is not permitted. 

* * * * * 

4.4 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required; see 

definition in 1.3a); 10-pound minimum, 

labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks use 

L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks use 

city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail 

(see 4.3c for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

‘‘FCM PARCELS 5D SCH.’’ For 5-digit 

sacks, ‘‘FCM PARCELS 5D.’’

* * * * * 

440 Discount Parcels: Standard Mail 

443 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Standard Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

* * * * * 

4.0 Rate Eligibility for Standard Mail 

4.1 General Information 

[Revise 4.1 by deleting reference to 

barcode discount and reorganizing text 

as follows:] 

All Standard Mail rates are Presorted 

rates. These rates apply to mailings 

meeting the basic standards in 2.0 

through 4.0 and the corresponding 

standards for Presorted rates under 5.0 

or Enhanced Carrier Route rates under 

6.0. Destination entry discount rates are 

available under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0 

in Enter and Deposit. Pieces are subject 

to either a single minimum per piece 

rate or a combined piece/pound rate, 

depending on the weight of the 

individual pieces in the mailing under 

4.2 or 4.3. Only organizations 

authorized by the USPS under 703.1.0 

may mail at Nonprofit rates. 

4.2 Minimum Per Piece Rates 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b by deleting the text that 

does not apply to parcels as follows:] 

b. In applying the minimum per piece 

rates, a mailpiece is categorized as a 

parcel based on the standards in 401, 

Physical Standards. 

[Revise item c by deleting the text that 

does not apply to parcels and by adding 

5-digit rate mail as eligible for DDU 

rates as follows:] 

c. Individual Rates. There are separate 

minimum per piece rates for each 

subclass (Regular, Enhanced Carrier 

Route, Nonprofit, and Nonprofit 

Enhanced Carrier Route) and within 

each subclass for the level of presort 

within each mailing. Mailers may claim 

discounted rates for destination entry 

mailings under 446.2.0 through 446.5.0 

in Enter and Deposit. DDU rates are 

available for parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces entered at 5-digit, 

Enhanced Carrier Route, or Nonprofit 

Enhanced Carrier Route rates. See 1.0, 

Rates and Fees for Standard Mail, for 

individual per piece rates. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 4.4 as 

follows:] 

4.4 Surcharge 

Unless prepared in 5-digit/scheme 

containers, Standard Mail parcels and 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces are subject 

to a $0.05 surcharge if: 

a. The machinable or nonmachinable 

parcels do not bear a UCC/EAN 128 

barcode. 

b. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weigh 6 ounces or more and do not bear 

a UCC/EAN 128 barcode. 

c. The Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

weigh less than 6 ounces and do not 

bear a UCC/EAN 128 or POSTNET 

barcode. 

[Delete 4.5 and renumber 4.6 as new 

4.5.] 

4.5 Extra Services for Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

4.5.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise renumbered 4.5.2 as follows:] 

Extra services may be used only with 

pieces mailed at machinable or 

nonmachinable parcel rates. 

4.5.3 Ineligible Matter 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
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[Revise item a as follows:] 

a. Pieces entered as letters, flats, or 

NFMs. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Additional Eligibility Standards 

for Presorted Standard Mail Pieces 

* * * * * 

5.2 Rate Application 

[Revise 5.2 to add Not Flat-Machinable 

pieces and to note separate rates as 

follows:] 

Rates for Regular and Nonprofit 

Standard Mail apply separately to 

machinable parcels, nonmachinable 

parcels, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

that meet the eligibility standards in 2.0 

through 4.0 and the preparation 

standards in 445.5.0, Preparation, or 

705.8.0, Preparation for Pallets. 

[Delete 5.3 through 5.5. Insert new 5.3 

for machinable parcel rates as follows:] 

5.3 Rates for Machinable Parcels 

5.3.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to qualifying 

machinable parcels presented: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme (L606) sack 

containing at least 10 pounds of parcels. 

b. On a 5-digit pallet, according to 

standards in 705.8.10. 

c. As one or more parcels that mailers 

drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.2. 

5.3.2 BMC Rate 

The BMC rate applies to qualifying 

machinable parcels presented: 

a. In an ASF or BMC sack containing 

at least 10 pounds of parcels. 

b. On an ASF or BMC pallet, 

according to standards in 705.8.10. 

5.3.3 Mixed BMC Rate 

The mixed BMC rate applies to 

machinable parcels that are not eligible 

for 5-digit or BMC rates. Place 

machinable parcels at mixed BMC rates 

in mixed BMC sacks under 445.5.3.2 or 

on mixed BMC pallets under 705.8.10. 

[Insert new 5.4 for nonmachinable 

parcel rates as follows:] 

5.4 Rates for Nonmachinable Parcels 

5.4.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to 

nonmachinable parcels (see 401.1.6) 

presented: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme (L606) sack 

containing at least 10 pounds of parcels. 

b. On a 5-digit/scheme (L606) pallet, 

according to 705.8.10. 

c. As one or more parcels that mailers 

drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.2. 

5.4.2 3-Digit Rate 

The 3-digit rate applies to 

nonmachinable parcels (see 401.1.6) 

presented: 

a. In a 3-digit sack containing at least 

10 pounds of parcels. 

b. On a 3-digit pallet, according to 

705.8.10. 

5.4.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to 

nonmachinable parcels (see 401.1.6) 

presented: 

a. In an ADC sack containing at least 

10 pounds of parcels. 

b. On an ADC pallet, according to 

705.8.10.4. 

5.4.4 Mixed ADC Rate 

The mixed ADC rate applies to 

nonmachinable parcels (see 401.1.6) in 

mixed ADC sacks. 

[Insert new 5.5 for Not Flat-Machinable 

rates as follows:] 

5.5 Rates for Not Flat-Machinable 

(NFM) Pieces 

5.5.1 5-Digit Rate 

The 5-digit rate applies to NFM pieces 

presented: 

a. In a 5-digit/scheme sack of 10 or 

more pounds of pieces (bundling not 

permitted). 

b. In 5-digit bundles of five or more 

pieces on pallets or in pallet boxes 

under 705.8.0. 

c. As one or more pieces that mailers 

drop ship to a DDU under 446.5.0. 

5.5.2 3-Digit Rates 

The 3-digit rate applies to NFM pieces 

in 3-digit containers. 

5.5.3 ADC Rate 

The ADC rate applies to NFM pieces 

in ADC or ASF/BMC containers. 

5.5.4 Mixed ADC Rate 

The mixed ADC rate applies to NFM 

pieces in mixed ADC or mixed BMC 

containers. 

* * * * * 

445 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.4 Preparation Definitions and 

Instructions 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c to require 5-digit/scheme 

sort for rate eligibility as follows:] 

c. A 5-digit/scheme sort for Standard 

Mail parcels yields 5-digit scheme sacks 

or pallets for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

listed in L606 and 5-digit sacks or 

pallets for other ZIP Codes. When 

standards require 5-digit/scheme sort, 

mailers must prepare all possible 5-digit 

scheme sacks, then prepare all possible 

5-digit sacks. The 5-digit ZIP Codes in 

each scheme are treated as a single 

presort destination subject to a single 

minimum volume (if required), with no 

further separation by 5-digit ZIP Code 

required. Sacks or pallets prepared for a 

5-digit scheme destination that contain 

pieces for only one of the schemed 5- 

digit ZIP Codes are still considered 5- 

digit scheme sorted and are labeled 

accordingly. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Bundles 

2.1 Definition of a Bundle 

[Add a new fifth sentence to restrict 

bundling as follows:] 

* * * Bundling under 445 is allowed 

only for carrier route bundles of parcels 

and 5-digit bundles of Not FlatMachinable pieces placed on pallets or 

in pallet boxes (see 6.0). * * * 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Presorted Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.3 Preparation of Machinable Parcels 

5.3.1 5-Digit Sacks 

[Revise 5.3.1 to change the preparation 

of 5-digit/scheme sacks containing both 

machinable and nonmachinable parcels 

(or also containing Not Flat-Machinable 

pieces) to be that for machinable 

parcels, and to require 5-digit scheme 

sorting when claiming 5-digit rates, as 

follows:] 

Mailers must prepare all possible 5- 

digit/scheme sacks in a mailing that 

includes pieces claimed at the 5-digit 

rate. If mailers do not prepare all 5- 

digit/scheme sacks when there are 10 

pounds or more of mail for a 

destination, they may not claim the 5- 

digit rate for any part of the mailing. 

Mailers choosing to combine the 

preparation of either nonmachinable 

parcels or Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

(see 401.2.2.3) weighing 6 ounces or 

more with machinable parcels placed in 

5-digit/scheme sacks must prepare those 

sacks under 5.3.2. Mailers choosing to 

combine the preparation of Not FlatMachinable pieces weighing 6 ounces or 

more with machinable parcels placed in 

ASF, BMC, or mixed BMC sacks must 

prepare the sacks under 5.3.2. There is 

no minimum for parcels prepared in 5- 

digit/scheme sacks entered at a DDU. 

5.3.2 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a to add the requirement of 

5-digit/scheme sorting for pieces 

claiming the 5-digit rate as follows:] 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56608 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate), see definition 

in 1.4c; 10-pound minimum except 

under 5.3.1; labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces (see 4.0 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH 5D SCHEME’’

or ‘‘STD MACH 5D SCH.’’

[Delete item b; renumber items c 

through e as new items b through d.] 

* * * * * 

5.4 Preparation of Nonmachinable 

Parcels 

[Delete 5.4.1 and 5.4.2; renumber 5.4.3 

through 5.4.8 as new 5.4.1 through 

5.4.6. Revise heading and text of 

renumbered 5.4.1 to restrict bundling of 

nonmachinable parcels as follows:] 

5.4.1 Bundling 

Bundling is not permitted, except for 

bundles of carrier route parcels under 

6.0. 

* * * * * 

5.4.3 Loose Packing 

[Revise renumbered 5.4.3 to delete the 

advance approval requirement to loose 

pack as follows:] 

When placing nonmachinable parcels 

in sacks, mailers must face and pack the 

parcels to maintain their orientation in 

transit. 

5.4.4 Required Sacking 

[Revise renumbered 5.4.4 to change the 

minimum quantity per sack from 15 

pounds to 10 pounds and to add NFMs 

as follows:] 

Mailers must prepare a sack when the 

quantity of mail for a required presort 

destination reaches 10 pounds of 

parcels. There is no minimum for 

parcels prepared in 5-digit/scheme 

sacks entered at a DDU. Mailers 

choosing to combine the preparation of 

nonmachinable parcels with machinable 

parcels placed in 5-digit/scheme sacks 

must prepare those sacks under 5.3.2. 

Mailers may not prepare sacks 

containing nonmachinable and 

machinable parcels to other presort 

levels. Mailers may combine 

nonmachinable parcels with Not FlatMachinable pieces weighing less than 6 

ounces in sacks under 5.4.6. 

* * * * * 

5.4.6 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit/scheme 

sacks and to change minimum quantity 

to 10 pounds as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate), 10-pound 

minimum, except when entered at a 

DDU; labeling: 

1. For 5-digit scheme sacks, use L606, 

Column B. For 5-digit sacks, use city, 

state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on mail (see 

4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. For Line 2, ‘‘STD NONMACH 5D 

SCH’’ or ‘‘STD NONMACH 5D.’’

[Delete item b. Renumber item c as new 

item b and revise as follows:] 

b. 3-digit (required); 10-pound 

minimum; for nonmachinable parcels 

only: 

1. For Line 1, L002, Column A. 

2. For Line 2, ‘‘STD NONMACH 3D.’’

[Delete item d and renumber items e 

and f as new items c and d. Revise new 

item c as follows:] 

c. ADC (required); 10-pound 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L603, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NON MACH ADC.’’

[Revise new item d as follows:] 

d. Mixed ADC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L604, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NON MACH WKG.’’

[Renumber 6.0 as 7.0. Insert new 6.0 for 

preparation of NFM pieces as follows:] 

6.0 Preparation for Not FlatMachinable Pieces 

6.1 Basic Standards 

All mailings at Regular Standard Mail 

and Nonprofit Standard Mail Presorted 

rates for NFM pieces are subject to the 

general preparation standards in 1.0 

through 4.0. Prepare NFM pieces (see 

301.2.2.3) according to the standards in 

6.0 unless commingled with parcels 

under 445.5.3. Mark NFM pieces 

according to the standards in 402.2.1.1. 

6.2 Bundling 

Mailers may make 5-digit bundles of 

at least five pieces when placed on 

pallets or in pallet boxes under 705.8.0. 

No other NFM bundling is permitted. 

6.3 Sacking and Labeling 

6.3.1 General 

Mailers may combine NFM pieces 

with parcels in 5-digit/scheme sacks 

under 445.5.3. See 6.3.2 for NFM pieces 

that weigh less than 6 ounces; see 6.3.3 

for NFM pieces that weigh 6 ounces or 

more. 

6.3.2 NFM Pieces Weighing Less Than 

6 Ounces 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling for sacks of NFM pieces that 

weigh less than 6 ounces: 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); see definition 

in 445.1.4c; 10-pound minimum, except 

when dropshipped to a DDU (no 

minimum); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces (see 4.0 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D SCH.’’

b. 3-digit (optional, but required for 3- 

digit rate); 10-pound minimum; 

labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’

c. ADC (required); 10-pound 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L004, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ADC.’’

d. Mixed ADC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L009, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM WKG.’’

6.3.3 NFM Pieces Weighing 6 Ounces 

or More 

Preparation sequence, sack size, and 

labeling for sacks of NFM pieces that 

weigh less than 6 ounces: 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); see 

definition in 445.1.4c; 10-pound 

minimum, except when dropshipped to 

a DDU (no minimum); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code 

destination on pieces (see 4.0 for 

overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D SCH.’’

b. ASF (optional), permitted only for 

mail deposited at an ASF to claim 

DBMC rate; 10-pound minimum; 

labeling: 

1. Line 1: L602, Column B. DBMC rate 

eligibility determined by Exhibit 

446.3.1, BMC/ASF—DMBC Rate 

Eligibility. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ASF.’’

c. BMC (required); 10-pound 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: L601, Column B. DBMC rate 

eligibility determined by Exhibit 

446.3.1, BMC/ASF—DMBC Rate 

Eligibility. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM BMC.’’

d. Mixed BMC (required); no 

minimum; labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by L601, 

Column B information for BMC serving 

3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry post 

office. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM WKG.’’

* * * * * 

446 Enter and Deposit 

* * * * * 

4.0 Destination Sectional Center 

Facility (DSCF) Entry 

* * * * * 


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4.2 Eligibility 

* * * * * 

[Insert new item c as follows:] 

c. When prepared and deposited 

under 705.6.3. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) 

Entry 

* * * * * 

5.2 Eligibility 

[Revise 5.2 to allow 5-digit sacks of 

parcels to be entered at DDUs and to 

add ‘‘Not Flat-Machinable’’ pieces as 

follows:] 

Pieces in a mailing that meet the 

standards in 2.0 and 5.0 are eligible for 

the DDU rate when deposited at a DDU, 

addressed for delivery within that 

facility’s service area, and prepared as 

follows: 

a. Parcels in carrier route bundles 

sorted to carrier route sacks 

(nonmachinable parcels), and otherwise 

eligible for and claimed at a carrier 

route rate. 

b. One or more parcels or Not FlatMachinable pieces in 5-digit containers. 

450 Discount Parcels: Parcel Post 

453 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Parcel Post services in ‘‘Rates and 

Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after all 

of the proposed mailing standards.] 

* * * * * 

3.0 Rate Eligibility Standards for 

Parcel Post 

3.1 Parcel Post and Parcel Select Rate 

Eligibility 

* * * * * 

[Revise item f as follows:] 

f. The barcode discount applies to 

Inter-BMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ASF 

Parcel Post machinable parcels (401.1.5) 

that bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the 

ZIP Code of the delivery address and are 

part of a mailing of 50 or more Parcel 

Post rate pieces. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item h as follows:] 

h. Items weighing less than 20 pounds 

but measuring more than 84 inches (but 

not more than 108 inches) in combined 

length and girth are charged the rate for 

a 20-pound parcel for the zone to which 

it is addressed (balloon rate). 

* * * * * 

455 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

5.0 Standards for Barcode Discounts 

5.1 Standards for Barcoded Mail 

[Revise 5.1 as follows:] 

The barcode discount applies to InterBMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ASF Parcel 

Post machinable parcels (401.1.5) that 

bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP 

Code of the delivery address and are 

part of a mailing of 50 or more Parcel 

Post rate pieces. 

* * * * * 

456 Enter and Deposit 

* * * * * 

2.0 Parcel Select 

* * * * * 

2.2 Rate Eligibility for Parcel Select 

Rates 

* * * * * 

2.2.2 DBMC Rates 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items b and c as new items 

c and d. Insert new item b as follows:] 

b. Machinable parcels must bear a 

barcode under 708.5.0 for the ZIP Code 

of the delivery address. Nonbarcoded 

machinable parcels are eligible only for 

the Intra-BMC/ASF rates. 

* * * * * 

2.6 Acceptance at Designated SCF—

Mailer Benefit 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. Bound Printed Matter machinable 

parcels under 466.3.3 and Standard 

Mail parcels under 705.6.3 may be 

included. 

* * * * * 

460 Discount Parcels: Bound Printed 

Matter 

[Incorporate the standards for Bound 

Printed Matter in 160 into 460. Make 

revisions throughout to change singlepiece Bound Printed Matter to 

‘‘nonpresorted’’ Bound Printed Matter 

and make following additional 

changes:] 

463 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Bound Printed Matter services in 

‘‘Rates and Fees’’ at the end of this 

notice, after all of the proposed mailing 

standards.] 

* * * * * 

465 Mail Preparation 

1.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

1.3 Terms for Presort Levels 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items c through g as new 

items d through h. Insert new item c for 

5-digit schemes as follows:] 

c. 5-digit scheme (pallets and sacks) 

for Bound Printer Matter parcels: the 

ZIP Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces begins with one of the 5-digit ZIP 

Code zones processed by the USPS as a 

single scheme, as shown in L606. 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Presorted Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2 Preparation for Irregular Parcels 

Weighing Less Than 10 Pounds 

* * * * * 

5.2.2 Bundling and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit schemes 

as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); red Label 

5 or optional endorsement line (OEL). 

See definition in 1.4c. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 5.2.3 and 5.2.4 as new 5.2.4 

and 5.2.5. Insert new 5.2.3 as follows:] 

5.2.3 Scheme Bundle Preparation 

See 1.4c for additional standards for 

pieces prepared in scheme bundles. 

5.2.4 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

f as new items b through e.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCHEME’’

or ‘‘PSVC IRREG 5D SCH.’’

* * * * * 

5.3 Preparation for Nonmachinable 

Parcels Weighing 10 Pounds or More 

* * * * * 

5.3.3 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

f as new items b through e.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC NON MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC NON MACH 5D 

SCH.’’

* * * * * 

5.4 Preparation for Machinable 

Parcels Not Claiming the DBMC Rates 

* * * * * 

5.4.2 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56610 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c and d as 

new items b and c.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’

* * * * * 

5.5 Preparation for Machinable 

Parcels Claiming the DBMC Rates 

* * * * * 

5.5.2 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

e as new items b through d.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (required); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’

* * * * * 

466 Enter and Deposit 

1.0 Presenting a Mailing 

[Revise the heading of 1.1 as follows:] 

1.1 Verification and Entry—Presorted, 

Carrier Route, Destination Entry, And 

Barcoded Mailings 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 1.2 through 1.5 as new 1.3 

through 1.6. Insert new 1.2 as follows:] 

1.2 Verification and Entry—

Nonpresorted Mailings 

Nonpresorted rate Bound Printed 

Matter is not offered at post offices, 

branches, stations, or through Postal 

Service carriers, except under 1.2c and 

1.2d. Mailers must deposit 

Nonpresorted Bound Printed Matter as 

follows: 

a. At the time and place specified by 

the postmaster at the office of mailing. 

b. For metered mail, at other than the 

licensing post office only as permitted 

under 705.17.0, Metered Mail Drop 

Shipment. 

c. For permit imprint mail, only at the 

post office where the permit is held (see 

604.5.0). 

d. At any post office, branch, or 

station, or with a Postal Service carrier, 

if the correct postage is applied, 

including postage for any extra service 

elected. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Destination Bulk Mail Center 

(DBMC) Entry 

* * * * * 

3.2 Acceptance at Designated SCF—

Mailer Benefit 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. Parcel Select machinable parcels 

under 456.2.6 and Standard Mail 

parcels under 705.6.3 may be included. 

* * * * * 

470 Media Mail 

473 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Media Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

* * * * * 

475 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Media Mail 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2 Preparation for Machinable 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c and d as 

new items b and c.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’

* * * * * 

5.3 Preparation for Nonmachinable 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.3.2 Bundling and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit schemes 

as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); 10-piece 

minimum; red Label 5 or optional 

endorsement line (OEL). See definition 

in 1.4c. 

* * * * * 

5.3.4 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

e as new items b through d.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC NON MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC NON MACH 5D 

SCH.’’

480 Library Mail 

483 Rates and Eligibility 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Library Mail services in ‘‘Rates 

and Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after 

all of the proposed mailing standards.] 

* * * * * 

485 Mail Preparation 

* * * * * 

5.0 Preparation for Library Mail 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.2 Preparation for Machinable 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c and d as 

new items b and c.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D SCH.’’

* * * * * 

5.3 Preparation for Nonmachinable 

Parcels 

* * * * * 

5.3.2 Bundling and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit schemes 

as follows:] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); 10-piece 

minimum; red Label 5 or optional 

endorsement line (OEL). See definition 

in 1.4c. 

* * * * * 

5.3.4 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Replace items a and b with new item 

a as follows. Renumber items c through 

e as new items b through d.] 

a. 5-digit/scheme (optional, but 

required for 5-digit rate); labeling: 

1. Line 1: For 5-digit scheme sacks, 

use L606, Column B. For 5-digit sacks, 

use city, state, and 5-digit ZIP Code on 

mail (see 4.3 for overseas military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PSVC NON MACH 5D 

SCHEME’’ or ‘‘PSVC NON MACH 5D 

SCH.’’

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56611 

500 Additional Services 

503 Extra Services 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all extra services in ‘‘Rates and Fees’’

at the end of this notice, after all of the 

proposed mailing standards.] 

* * * * * 

4.0 Insured Mail 

* * * * * 

4.2 Basic Information 

4.2.1 Description 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d as follows:] 

d. Insured mail service provides the 

mailer with a mailing receipt. No record 

of insured mail is kept at the office of 

mailing. For mail insured for $200 or 

less, the USPS maintains delivery 

information (not including a signature). 

For mail insured for more than $200, the 

USPS maintains a delivery record 

(which includes the recipient’s 

signature) for a specified period of time. 

Customers may obtain a delivery record 

by purchasing additional services; see 

6.0 for details. 

4.2.2 Eligible Matter 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b as follows:] 

b. Standard Mail pieces prepared as 

machinable or nonmachinable parcels 

(bulk insurance only). 

* * * * * 

4.2.4 Additional Services 

[Revise the first sentence in 4.2.4 as 

follows:] 

Insuring an item for more than $200 

allows customers to purchase restricted 

delivery service or return receipt 

service.* * * 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. Return receipt for merchandise (for 

items insured for $200 or less). 

* * * * * 

4.3 Mailing 

* * * * * 

4.3.3 Markings and Forms 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a and b as follows:] 

a. Retail pieces insured for $200 or 

less: The mailer must affix a barcoded 

Form 3813 (see Exhibit 4.3.3) to each 

piece above the delivery address and to 

the right of the return address. No 

signature is obtained. 

b. Retail pieces insured for more than 

$200: The mailer must affix a barcoded 

Form 3813–P (see Exhibit 4.3.3) to each 

piece above the delivery address and to 

the right of the return address. 

* * * * * 

4.3.5 Integrated Barcodes 

* * * * * 

[Revise items c1 and c2 as follows:] 

1. Mailers may purchase insurance 

online for indemnity coverage of $200 

or less with electronic option Delivery 

Confirmation service. The humanreadable text above the integrated 

barcode must state, ‘‘e/USPS Delivery 

Confirmation.’’

2. Mailers may purchase insurance 

online for indemnity coverage of more 

than $200, up to $500, with electronic 

option Delivery Confirmation service. 

The human-readable text above the 

integrated barcode must state, ‘‘e/USPS 

Insured.’’

* * * * * 

4.3.7 Receipt 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a1 and a2 as follows:] 

1. Form 3813 when the insurance 

coverage is $200 or less. 

2. Form 3813–P when the insurance 

coverage is more than $200. 

* * * * * 

4.5 Delivery 

[Revise the first sentence of 4.5 and add 

a new second sentence as follows:] 

An item insured for $200 or less is 

delivered as ordinary mail and receives 

a delivery scan. An item insured for 

more than $200 receives a delivery scan 

and the recipient’s signature.* * * 

* * * * * 

6.0 Return Receipt 

* * * * * 

6.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

6.2.2 Eligible Matter 

* * * * * 

[Revise items b, c, and d to replace old 

value of $50 with new value of $200. 

Further revise item c to remove 

reference to residual shape surcharge 

and insert text about preparation as 

machinable or nonmachinable parcels 

as follows:] 

b. First-Class Mail (including Priority 

Mail) when purchased at the time of 

mailing with Certified Mail, COD, 

insured mail (for more than $200), or 

Registered Mail service. 

c. Standard Mail prepared as 

machinable or nonmachinable parcels 

when bulk insurance (for more than 

$200) is purchased at the time of 

mailing. 

d. Package Services when purchased 

at the time of mailing with COD or 

insured mail (for more than $200). 

* * * * * 

6.3 Obtaining Service 

* * * * * 

6.3.2 After Mailing 

[Revise first sentence of 6.3.2 to replace 

old value of $50 with new value of $200 

as follows:] 

The mailer may request a delivery 

record after mailing for Express Mail, 

Certified Mail, Registered Mail, COD 

mail, and mail insured for more than 

$200. * * * 

* * * * * 

7.0 Restricted Delivery 

* * * * * 

7.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

7.2.2 Eligible Matter 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a, b, and c to replace old 

value of $50 with new value of $200. 

Further revise item b to remove 

reference to residual shape surcharge 

and insert text about preparation as 

machinable or nonmachinable parcels 

as follows:] 

a. First-Class Mail (including Priority 

Mail) when purchased at the time of 

mailing with Certified Mail, COD, 

insured mail (for more than $200), or 

Registered Mail service. 

b. Standard Mail prepared as 

machinable or nonmachinable parcels 

when bulk insurance (for more than 

$200) is purchased at the time of 

mailing. 

c. Package Services when purchased 

at the time of mailing with COD or 

insured mail (for more than $200). 

* * * * * 

8.0 Return Receipt for Merchandise 

* * * * * 

8.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

8.2.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise 8.2.2 as follows:] 

Return receipt for merchandise is 

available for merchandise sent as 

Priority Mail, Standard Mail parcels, 

and Package Services. 

* * * * * 

8.2.4 Additional Services 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to replace old value of 

$50 with new value of $200 as follows:] 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56612 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

b. Insurance (for up to $200). 

* * * * * 

9.0 Delivery Confirmation 

* * * * * 

9.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

9.2.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise 9.2.2 to remove reference to 

Standard Mail residual shape surcharge 

and insert text about Standard Mail 

preparation as machinable or 

nonmachinable parcels as follows:] 

Delivery Confirmation is available for 

First-Class Mail parcels under 401.1.0, 

for all Priority Mail pieces, for Standard 

Mail pieces prepared as machinable or 

nonmachinable parcels (electronic 

option only), and for Package Services 

parcels under 401.1.0. For the purposes 

of using Delivery Confirmation with a 

First-Class Mail parcel or a Package 

Services parcel, the parcel must meet 

these additional requirements: 

* * * * * 

9.2.6 Additional Services 

* * * * * 

[Revise items d and e to replace old 

value of $50 with new value of $200 as 

follows:] 

d. Restricted delivery, if purchased 

with insurance for more than $200, 

COD, or registry service. 

e. Return receipt, if purchased with 

insurance for more than $200, COD, or 

registry service. 

* * * * * 

10.0 Signature Confirmation 

* * * * * 

10.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

10.2.2 Eligible Matter 

[Revise the introductory text of 10.2.2 as 

follows:] 

Signature Confirmation is available 

for First-Class Mail parcels and Package 

Services parcels defined in 401.1.0, and 

for all Priority Mail pieces. For the 

purposes of using Signature 

Confirmation with a First-Class Mail or 

Package Services parcel, the parcel must 

meet these additional requirements: 

* * * * * 

10.2.6 Additional Services 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d to replace old value of 

$50 with new value of $200 as follows:] 

d. Restricted delivery, if purchased 

with insurance for more than $200, 

COD, or registry service. 

* * * * * 

13.0 Confirm 

* * * * * 

13.2 Basic Information 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text in 13.2.7 as 

follows:] 

13.2.7 Subscription 

Confirm is available in blocks of 1 

million units. By paying the user fee, 

subscribers receive 1 million units. The 

user fee and the 1 million units are valid 

for 1 year from the date purchased. 

Additional units may be purchased 

during the subscription period in blocks 

of 1 million with a declining price 

threshold as described in 13.1.1. Units 

expire when the annual fee expires. 

Units are redeemed for Confirm scans at 

the rate of one unit per First-Class Mail 

scan or five units per scan of other 

classes of mail. 

* * * * * 

507 Mailer Services 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all mailer services in ‘‘Rates and 

Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after all 

of the proposed mailing standards.] 

[Revise 507 to change the term 

‘‘accounting fee’’ to ‘‘account 

maintenance fee’’ throughout the 

chapter.] 

1.0 Treatment of Mail 

* * * * * 

1.5 Treatment for Ancillary Services 

by Class of Mail 

* * * * * 

1.5.2 Periodicals 

* * * * * 

[Revise item f to remove the 

nonmachinable surcharge in the 

second-to-last sentence as follows:] 

f. * * * Each returned piece is 

charged the single-piece First-Class Mail 

rate for the weight and shape of the 

piece or the Priority Mail rate for the 

weight and destination of the piece. 

* * * 

* * * * * 

1.5.3 Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise the second sentence in item i as 

follows:] 

i. * * * The weighted fee is the 

single-piece First-Class Mail rate for the 

weight and shape of the piece or the 

Priority Mail rate for the weight and 

destination of the piece multiplied by 

2.472 and rounded up to the next whole 

cent (if the computation yields a 

fraction of a cent). * * * 

[Revise item j as follows:] 

j. Returned pieces endorsed ‘‘Return 

Service Requested’’ are charged the 

single-piece First-Class Mail rate for the 

weight and shape of the piece or the 

Priority Mail rate for the weight and 

destination of the piece. 

* * * * * 

1.6 Attachments and Enclosures 

1.6.1 Periodicals 

[Revise the first sentence in 1.6.1 as 

follows:] 

Undeliverable Periodicals (including 

publications pending Periodicals 

authorization) with a nonincidental 

First-Class Mail attachment or enclosure 

are returned at the single-piece FirstClass Mail rate for the weight and shape 

of the piece or Priority Mail rate for the 

weight and destination of the piece. 

* * * 

1.6.2 Standard Mail 

[Revise the first sentence in 1.6.2 as 

follows:] 

Undeliverable, unendorsed Standard 

Mail with a nonincidental First-Class 

Mail attachment or enclosure is 

returned at the single-piece First-Class 

Mail rate for the weight and shape of the 

piece or Priority Mail rate for the weight 

and destination of the piece. * * * 

* * * * * 

3.0 Address Correction Services 

* * * * * 

3.2 Address Change Service (ACS) 

* * * * * 

3.2.2 Service Options 

[Revise 3.2.2 as follows:] 

ACS offers three levels of service: 

a. An automated option for letter-size 

mail with electronic notices processed 

using OneCode technology (see 3.2.6, 

Additional Standards—4-State 

Customer Barcodes). 

b. An electronic option for all notices 

processed electronically, except 

automated notices under 3.2.2a. 

c. A manual option for notices 

processed manually. 

* * * * * 

10.0 Merchandise Return Service 

* * * * * 

10.5 Additional Features 

* * * * * 

10.5.3 Insured Markings 

[Revise 10.5.3 as follows:] 

The permit holder must either leave a 

clear space on the merchandise return 

label to the right of the return address 

for the numbered insured label or 

instruct the customer to affix the 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56613 

merchandise return label to the article 

so that the USPS acceptance employee 

can place the insured label on the article 

directly above the merchandise return 

label. 

* * * * * 

508 Recipient Services 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all recipient services in ‘‘Rates and 

Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after all 

of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Recipient Options 

1.1 Basic Recipient Concerns 

* * * * * 

1.1.7 Express Mail and Accountable 

Mail 

[Revise the introductory text of 1.1.7 to 

change the insurance threshold from 

$50 to $200 as follows:] 

The following conditions also apply 

to the delivery of Express Mail and 

accountable mail (registered, certified, 

insured for more than $200, or COD, as 

well as mail for which a return receipt 

or a return receipt for merchandise is 

requested or for which the sender has 

specified restricted delivery): 

* * * * * 

600 Basic Standards for All Mailing 

Services 

[Change the terminology from 

‘‘irregular’’ parcels to ‘‘nonmachinable’’

parcels throughout 600.] 

* * * * * 

604 Postage Payment Methods 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all mailing services in ‘‘Rates and 

Fees’’ at the end of this notice, after all 

of the proposed mailing standards.] 

1.0 Stamps 

1.1 Postage Stamp Denominations 

[Add the forever stamp to the table of 

types and formats of stamps.] 

* * * * * 

[Renumber current 1.10 through 1.12 as 

new 1.11 through 1.13 and remove 

reference to nonmachinable surcharge. 

Insert new 1.10 as follows:] 

1.10 Additional Standards for Forever 

Stamps 

Forever stamps are sold for the price 

of the current First-Class Mail singlepiece 1-ounce letter rate in 133.1.5. The 

postage value of each forever stamp is 

the current First-Class Mail single-piece 

1-ounce letter rate. 

[Revise the heading of 1.11 as follows:] 

1.11 Additional Standards for 

Semipostal Stamps 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c to remove reference to 

nonmachinable surcharge as follows:] 

c. The postage value of each 

semipostal stamp is the First-Class Mail 

single-piece 1-ounce letter rate in 

133.1.5 * * * 

* * * * * 

609 Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss 

or Damage 

1.0 General Filing Instructions 

* * * * * 

1.5 Where to File for Loss or Damage 

* * * * * 

[Add new text to item a as follows:] 

a. Online at www.usps.com * * * 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 2.0 as follows:] 

2.0 Providing Proof of Missing 

Contents or Damage 

[Revise 2.1 and 2.2 to change the 

requirements for proving missing 

contents or damage as follows:] 

2.1 Missing Contents 

If a claim is filed because some or all 

of the contents are missing, the 

addressee must make available the 

mailing container, including any 

wrapping, packaging, and any contents 

that were received, to the USPS with the 

claim. 

2.2 Proof of Damage 

If the addressee files the claim, the 

addressee must make available the 

damaged article and mailing container, 

including any wrapping, packaging, and 

any other contents that were received, to 

the USPS for inspection. If the mailer 

files the claim, the USPS will notify the 

addressee by letter to make available the 

damaged article and mailing container, 

including any wrapping, packaging, and 

any other contents that were received, to 

the USPS for inspection. Failure to do 

so will result in denial of the claim. 

[Delete 2.3, Proof of Loss.] 

* * * * * 

700 Special Standards 

* * * * * 

705 Advanced Preparation and 

Special Postage Payment Systems 

[Change the terminology from 

‘‘irregular’’ parcels to ‘‘nonmachinable’’

parcels and from ‘‘IRREG’’ to ‘‘NON 

MACH’’ for parcel preparation 

throughout 705.] 

1.0 Customized MarketMail 

* * * * * 

1.2 Rates 

[Revise 1.2 as follows:] 

Pieces mailed as Customized 

MarketMail under 705.1.0 must pay the 

Regular or Nonprofit Standard Mail 5- 

digit nonentry rate for Not FlatMachinable pieces and must not exceed 

3.3 ounces. 

* * * * * 

6.0 Combining Mailings of Standard 

Mail and Package Services Parcels 

6.1 Combined Machinable Parcels—

DBMC Entry 

* * * * * 

6.1.2 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

[Renumber current items c through h as 

new items d through i. Insert new item 

c as follows:] 

c. Parcel Select machinable parcels 

must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for 

the ZIP Code of the delivery address. 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 6.3 as follows:] 

6.3 Combining Package Services and 

Standard Mail—Optional 3-Digit 

Preparation 

6.3.1 Acceptance at Designated SCF—

Qualification and Preparation 

Mailers may deposit parcels otherwise 

eligible for the Package Services and 

Standard Mail DBMC rates (for 

machinable parcels) and the Standard 

Mail SCF rate (for nonmachinable 

parcels and Not Flat-Machinable pieces) 

at an SCF designated by the USPS for 

destination ZIP Codes listed in labeling 

list L607. The following standards 

apply: 

a. Standard Mail parcels, Not FlatMachinable pieces, Bound Printed 

Matter machinable parcels, and Parcel 

Select machinable parcels may be 

included. Standard Mail parcels and 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces that weigh 

less than 2 ounces and Standard Mail 

parcels that are tubes, rolls, triangles, 

and similar pieces may not be included. 

b. Mailers must prepare pieces on 3- 

digit pallets or in 3-digit pallet boxes, or 

unload and physically separate the 

pieces into containers as specified by 

the destination facility. 

c. Parcel Select and Bound Printed 

Matter parcels are eligible for the 

applicable DBMC entry rate. 

d. Standard Mail machinable parcels 

are eligible for the BMC presort level, 

DBMC rate; Not Flat-Machinable pieces 

and nonmachinable parcels are eligible 

for the 3-digit presort level, DSCF rate. 

e. All pieces must be for delivery 

within the service area of the SCF where 

they are deposited by the mailer. 

f. Postage on all zone-rated parcels 

deposited at the SCF is computed using 

the zone chart for that postal facility. 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56614 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

6.3.2 Documentation 

Presort documentation is required for 

each rate claimed if the manifest does 

not list pieces in presort order. Separate 

postage statements must be prepared for 

the Standard Mail and Package Services 

pieces. Within each group, combined 

forms may be prepared where the 

standards and the forms permit. All 

postage statements must be provided at 

the time of mailing. 

6.3.3 Authorization 

Mailers must be authorized under 

6.1.5 to prepare mailings that combine 

Standard Mail pieces and Package 

Services parcels. 

6.3.4 Postage Payment 

Postage for all pieces must be paid 

with permit imprint at the post office 

serving the mailer’s plant under an 

approved manifest mailing system 

under 2.0. 

7.0 Combining Package Services 

Parcels for Destination Entry 

* * * * * 

7.2 Combining Package Services 

Machinable Parcels for DBMC Entry 

* * * * * 

7.2.2 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

[Renumber current items c through h as 

new items d through i. Insert new item 

c as follows:] 

c. Parcel Select machinable parcels 

must bear a barcode under 708.5.0 for 

the ZIP Code of the delivery address. 

* * * * * 

8.0 Preparation for Pallets 

* * * * * 

8.5 General Preparation 

* * * * * 

8.5.6 Mail on Pallets 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c to delete ‘‘automation 

carrier route’’ and to replace 

‘‘presorted’’ with ‘‘nonautomation’’ as 

follows:] 

c. For letter-size Standard Mail and 

Periodicals prepared in trays on pallets, 

mailers must prepare carrier route rate 

mail on separate 5-digit pallets (5-digit 

carrier routes pallets) from automation 

rate or nonautomation rate mail (5-digit 

pallets). 

* * * * * 

8.10 Pallet Presort and Labeling 

* * * * * 

8.10.2 Standard Mail—Bundles, 

Sacks, or Trays 

[Reorganize introductory text of 8.10.2 

as follows:] 

Mailers must prepare pallets under 

8.0 in the sequence listed below and 

complete at each required level before 

preparing the next optional or required 

level. Unless indicated as optional, all 

sort levels are required. For mailings of 

sacks or trays on pallets, pallet 

preparation begins with 8.10.1e. Pallets 

must be labeled according to the Line 1 

and Line 2 information listed below and 

under 8.6. Mailers also may palletize 

bundles of Standard Mail flats under 

10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. 

* * * * * 

[Revise the heading and text of 8.10.5 to 

add Not Flat-Machinable pieces as 

follows:] 

8.10.5 Package Services and Standard 

Mail Machinable Parcels, and Not Flat 

Machinable Pieces Weighing 6 Ounces 

or More 

Pallets must be prepared under 8.0 in 

the sequence listed below and 

completed at each required level before 

the next optional or required level is 

prepared. Unless indicated as optional, 

all sort levels are required under the 

conditions shown. At the mailer’s 

option, Inter-BMC/ASF and Intra-BMC/ 

ASF Parcel Post mailings may be 

prepared on pallets under this section. 

Destination entry rates eligibility 

applies only to Standard Mail (see 446 

for parcels and NFMs that weigh 6 

ounces or more), Parcel Select (see 456), 

and Bound Printed Matter (see 466). 

Combined mailings of Standard Mail 

and Package Services machinable 

parcels also must meet the standards in 

6.0. Pallets must be labeled according to 

the Line 1 and Line 2 information listed 

below and under 8.6. 

a. 5-digit scheme, required, pallet 

must contain parcels or NFMs for the 

same 5-digit scheme under L606. For 5- 

digit destinations not part of L606, or for 

which scheme sorts are not performed, 

5-digit pallets are prepared under 

8.10.5b. 

Labeling: 

1. Line 1: L606. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH 5D,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM 5D,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D,’’ as 

applicable; followed by ‘‘SCHEME’’ (or 

‘‘SCH’’). 

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet must 

contain parcels only for the same 5-digit 

ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH 5D,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM 5D,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH 5D,’’ as 

applicable. 

c. ASF, optional, but required for 

DBMC rates. Not available for the 

Buffalo, NY ASF in L602. Pallets must 

contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3- 

digit ZIP Code groups in L602. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: L602. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH ASF,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM ASF,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH ASF,’’ as 

applicable. 

d. BMC, required. Pallets must 

contain only parcels or NFMs for the 3- 

digit ZIP Code groups in L601. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: L601. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH BMC,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM BMC,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH BMC,’’ as 

applicable. 

e. Mixed BMC, optional. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by 

information in L601, Column B, for 

BMC serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of 

entry post office (or labeled to plant 

serving entry post office if authorized by 

processing and distribution manager). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD MACH WKG,’’ ‘‘STD 

NFM WKG,’’ or ‘‘PSVC MACH WKG,’’

as applicable. 

[Insert new 8.10.6 as follows:] 

8.10.6 Standard Mail Nonmachinable 

Parcels Weighing 2 Ounces or More 

Mailers who palletize nonmachinable 

parcels must make pallets or pallet 

boxes when there are 250 pounds or 

more for the destination levels below. 

Pallets or pallet boxes of nonmachinable 

parcels (except tubes, rolls, and similar 

pieces) weighing 2 ounces or more must 

be prepared under 8.0 in the sequence 

listed below and completed at each 

required level before the next optional 

or required level is prepared. Unless 

indicated as optional, all sort levels are 

required. Label pallets or pallet boxes 

according to the Line 1 and Line 2 

information listed below and under 8.6. 

Mailers may not prepare tubes, rolls, 

and similar pieces or pieces that weigh 

less than 2 ounces on pallets or in pallet 

boxes. 

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or 

pallet box must contain parcels only for 

the same 5-digit scheme under L606. 

For 5-digit destinations not part of L606, 

or for which scheme sorts are not 

performed, prepare 5-digit pallets under 

8.10.6b. 

Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L606. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NONMACH 5D; 

followed by ‘‘SCHEME’’ (or ‘‘SCH’’). 

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet 

box must contain parcels only for the 

same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas 

military mail). 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56615 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NONMACH 5D’’. 

c. 3-digit, optional, option not 

available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes 

marked ‘‘N’’ in L002. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain parcels only for the same 

3-digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NONMACH 3D.’’

d. ADC, required. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain parcels for the 3-digit ZIP 

Code groups in L005. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L602. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NONMACH ADC.’’

e. Mixed ADC, optional. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city, 

state, and ZIP Code information for ADC 

serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry 

post office as shown in L603, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NONMACH MXD.’’

* * * * * 

[Insert new 8.10.7 as follows:] 

8.10.7 Standard Mail Not FlatMachinable Pieces Weighing Less Than 

6 Ounces 

Mailers must prepare pieces on 

pallets or in pallet boxes when there are 

250 pounds or more of NFMs for the 

destination levels below. Prepare pallets 

or pallet boxes of NFM pieces weighing 

less than 6 ounces under 8.0 in the 

sequence listed below and completed at 

each required level before the next 

optional or required level is prepared. 

Unless indicated as optional, all sort 

levels are required. Label pallets or 

pallet boxes according to the Line 1 and 

Line 2 information listed below and 

under 8.6. 

a. 5-digit scheme, required. Pallet or 

pallet box must contain NFMs only for 

the same 5-digit scheme under L606. 

For 5-digit destinations not part of L606, 

or for which scheme sorts are not 

performed, prepare 5-digit pallets under 

8.10.6b. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L606. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D; followed by 

‘‘SCHEME’’ (or ‘‘SCH’’). 

b. 5-digit, required. Pallet or pallet 

box must contain NFMs only for the 

same 5-digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: city, state, and 5-digit ZIP 

Code destination (see 8.6.4c for overseas 

military mail). 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 5D’’. 

c. 3-digit, optional, option not 

available for 3-digit ZIP Code prefixes 

marked ‘‘N’’ in L002. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain NFMs only for the same 3- 

digit ZIP Code. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L002, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM 3D.’’

d. ADC, required. Pallet or pallet box 

must contain NFMs for the 3-digit ZIP 

Code groups in L005. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: Use L004. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM ADC.’’

e. Mixed ADC, optional. Labeling: 

1. Line 1: ‘‘MXD’’ followed by city, 

state, and ZIP Code information for ADC 

serving 3-digit ZIP Code prefix of entry 

post office as shown in L004, Column A. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘STD NFM MXD’’. 

* * * * * 

8.14 Pallets of Bundles, Sacks, and 

Trays 

* * * * * 

8.14.2 Standard Mail 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a2 as follows:] 

2. Mailers may include machinable 

parcels, nonmachinable parcels, and 

Not Flat-Machinable pieces on 5-digit 

pallets. 

* * * * * 

[Revise 11.0 to replace ‘‘presorted’’ with 

‘‘nonautomation’’ throughout.] 

11.0 Preparation of Cobundled 

Automation Rate and Nonautomation 

Rate Flats 

11.1 First-Class Mail 

11.1.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

[Delete item f.] 

* * * * * 

11.2 Periodicals 

11.2.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise introductory text in 11.2.1 to 

require 5-digit scheme and 3-digit 

scheme sort and eliminate distinctions 

between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000 

flats as follows:] 

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 

707.18.4ab) automation rate and 

nonautomation rate flat-size pieces as an 

option to the basic bundling 

requirements in 707.22.0 and 707.25.0. 

Flats in the same bundle must all meet 

the standards in 301.3.0 or all meet the 

standards in 707.25.3. 5-digit scheme 

and 3-digit scheme bundles also must 

meet the additional standards in 

707.18.4i and 707.18.4r. Mailing jobs 

(for flats meeting the criteria in 301.3.0) 

prepared using the 5-digit scheme and/ 

or the 3-digit scheme bundle 

preparation must be sacked under 10.0 

or palletized under 10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. 

All bundles are subject to the following 

conditions: * * * 

11.2.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Add two new sentences to the 

beginning of 11.2.2 as follows:] 

Only pieces meeting the criteria in 

301.3.0 may be prepared in 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and in 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. * * * 

* * * * * 

[Revise item b to require 5-digit scheme 

bundles as follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme, required * * * 

* * * * * 

[Revise item d to require 3-digit scheme 

bundles as follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme, required * * * 

* * * * * 

11.3 Standard Mail 

11.3.1 Basic Standards 

[Revise introductory text in 11.3.1 to 

require 5-digit scheme and 3-digit 

scheme sort and eliminate distinctions 

between AFSM 100 and UFSM 1000 

flats as follows:] 

Mailers may choose to cobundle (see 

345.1.4u) automation rate and 

nonautomation rate flat-size pieces as an 

option to the basic bundling 

requirements in 345.5.0 and 345.7.0. 

Flats in the same bundle must all meet 

the standards in 301.3.0. 5-digit scheme 

and 3-digit scheme bundles must meet 

the additional standards in 345.1.4f and 

345.1.4n. Mailing jobs prepared using 

the 5-digit scheme and/or 3-digit 

scheme bundle preparation (for flats 

meeting the criteria in 301.3.0) must be 

sacked under 10.0 or palletized under 

10.0, 12.0, or 13.0. All bundles are 

subject to the following conditions: 

* * * * * 

[Delete item g. Renumber item h as new 

item g.] 

* * * * * 

11.3.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Add two new sentences to the 

beginning of 11.3.2 as follows:] 

Only pieces meeting the criteria in 

301.3.0 may be prepared in 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and in 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. * * * 

[Revise item a to require 5-digit scheme 

bundles as follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme, required: * * * 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c to require 3-digit scheme 

bundles as follows:] 

c. 3-digit scheme, required: * * * 

* * * * * 

15.0 Plant-Verified Drop Shipment 

* * * * * 

15.2 Program Participation 

* * * * * 

15.2.4 Periodicals 

[Revise 15.2.4 to reflect the new rate 

structure for Periodicals mail as 

follows:] 

Periodicals postage must be paid at 

the post office verifying the copies or as 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
56616 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 

designated by the district. Postage is 

calculated from the destination USPS 

facility where deposited and accepted as 

mail (or from the facility where the 

Express Mail or Priority Mail drop 

shipment destinates). The publisher 

must ensure that sufficient funds are on 

deposit to pay for all shipments before 

their release. A publisher authorized 

under an alternative postage payment 

system must pay postage under the 

corresponding standards. 

* * * * * 

707 Periodicals 

[We provide the proposed rates and fees 

for all Periodicals mail services in 

‘‘Rates and Fees’’ at the end of this 

notice, after all of the proposed mailing 

standards.] 

1.0 Rates and Fees 

1.1 Outside-County—Excluding 

Science-of-Agriculture 

* * * * * 

[Renumber current 1.1.3 through 1.1.5 

as new 1.1.4 through 1.1.6. Insert new 

1.1.3 as follows:] 

1.1.3 Outside-County Container Rate 

Rate per pallet, sack, or tray 

containing Outside-County Periodicals 

mail: $0.85. 

The following standards apply: 

a. For mailings correctly prepared in 

sacks on pallets under 705.8.0, mailers 

pay the container rate for each sack, and 

not for the pallet. 

b. For mailings correctly prepared in 

bundles or trays on pallets under 

705.8.0, mailers pay the container rate 

for each pallet, and not for the bundles 

or trays. 

c. For mailings not presented in 

containers under 707.23.4, Exception to 

Sacking, mailers pay the container rate 

for each 5-digit ZIP Code or 5-digit 

scheme serviced by the DDU. 

* * * * * 

1.2 Outside-County—Science-ofAgriculture 

* * * * * 

[Renumber current 1.2.3 as new 1.2.4. 

Insert new 1.2.3 as follows:] 

1.2.3 Outside-County Container Rate 

Rate per pallet, sack, or tray 

containing Outside-County Periodicals 

mail: $0.85. The following standards 

apply: 

a. For mailings correctly prepared in 

sacks on pallets under 705.8.0, mailers 

pay the container rate for each sack, and 

not for the pallet. 

b. For mailings correctly prepared in 

bundles or trays on pallets under 

705.8.0, mailers pay the container rate 

for each pallet, and not for the bundles 

or trays. 

c. For mailings not presented in 

containers under 707.23.4, Exception to 

Sacking, mailers pay the container rate 

for each 5-digit ZIP Code or 5-digit 

scheme serviced by the DDU. 

* * * * * 

2.0 Rate Application and 

Computation 

2.1 Rate Application 

2.1.1 Rate Elements 

[Revise 2.1.1 to reflect the new OutsideCounty container rate and the new 

nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

Postage for Periodicals mail includes 

a pound rate charge, a piece rate charge, 

an Outside-County container rate 

charge, and any discounts for which the 

mail qualifies under the corresponding 

standards. 

2.1.2 Applying Pound Rate 

[Revise 2.1.2 to reflect the new OutsideCounty container rate and the new 

nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

Pound rates are applied to the weight 

of the pieces in the mailing as follows: 

a. Outside-County pound rates are 

based on the weight of the advertising 

portion sent to each postal zone (as 

computed from the entry office) or 

delivery unit zone, and the weight of the 

nonadvertising portion to a delivery 

unit zone. 

b. Science-of-Agriculture OutsideCounty pound rates are based on the 

weights of the advertising portion and 

the nonadvertising portion of the mail 

sent to each postal zone (as computed 

from the entry office) or delivery unit 

zone. 

c. In-County pound rates consist of a 

delivery unit zone rate and an unzoned 

rate for all other eligible copies 

delivered within the county of 

publication. 

2.1.3 Computing Weight of 

Advertising and Nonadvertising 

Portions 

[Revise 2.1.3 to reflect the new OutsideCounty container rate and the new 

nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

The pound rate charge is the sum of 

the charges for the computed weight of 

the advertising portion of copies to each 

zone, plus the sum of the charges for the 

computed weight of the nonadvertising 

portion of copies to each zone. The 

following standards apply: 

a. The minimum pound rate charge 

for any zone to which copies are mailed 

is the 1-pound rate. For example, three 

2-ounce copies for a zone are subject to 

the minimum 1-pound charge. 

b. Authorized Nonprofit and 

Classroom publications with an 

advertising percentage that is 10% or 

less are considered 100% 

nonadvertising. When computing the 

pound rates and the nonadvertising 

adjustment, use ‘‘0’’ as the advertising 

percentage. Authorized Nonprofit and 

Classroom publications claiming 0% 

advertising must pay the nonadvertising 

pound rate for the entire weight of all 

copies to all zones. 

* * * * * 

3.0 Physical Characteristics and 

Content Eligibility 

* * * * * 

3.5 Mailpiece Construction 

* * * * * 

3.5.2 Size and Weight 

[Insert new second sentence in 3.5.2 to 

include the maximum weight and 

thickness for Periodicals automation 

flat-size pieces as follows:] 

* * * Automation flat-size pieces 

may not weigh more than 6 pounds or 

measure more than 11⁄4 inch thick. 

* * * 

* * * * * 

11.0 Basic Rate Eligibility 

* * * * * 

11.4 Discounts 

[Delete item c to eliminate the pallet 

discounts.] 

* * * * * 

15.0 Ride-Along Rate Eligibility 

* * * * * 

15.3 Physical Characteristics 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c as follows:] 

c. A Periodicals piece with a RideAlong that claims automation rates must 

meet the automation requirements in 

201.3.0, Physical Standards for 

Automation Letters and Cards, or 25.0, 

Preparing Flat-Size Automation 

Periodicals, and must maintain the same 

processing category as before the 

addition of the Ride-Along. For 

example, if, due to the inclusion of a 

Ride-Along piece, an automation lettersize host piece can no longer be 

processed as an automation letter, then 

that piece must pay the Periodicals 

nonautomation rate for the host piece 

plus the Ride-Along rate or the Standard 

Mail rate for the attachment or 

enclosure. 

* * * * * 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 27, 2006 / Proposed Rules 56617 

17.0 Documentation 

* * * * * 

17.7 Additional Standards 

* * * * * 

[Insert new 17.7.4 as follows:] 

17.7.4 Outside-County Container Rate 

Documentation 

A complete, signed postage statement, 

using the correct USPS form or an 

approved facsimile, must accompany 

each mailing, supported by 

standardized documentation meeting 

the basic standards in 708.1.0. The 

documentation must show how many 

trays, sacks, or pallets are required for 

the rates and discounts claimed, even 

when the mailing is presented under 

707.23.4, Exception to Sacking, or is 

otherwise presented by the mailer. 

Documentation of postage is not 

required if each piece in the mailing is 

of identical weight and the pieces are 

separated when presented for 

acceptance by rate, by zone, and by 

entry discount (such as DDU and DSCF). 

If standardized documentation is not 

presented, the container charge is 

determined by dividing the total 

number of Outside-County pieces in the 

mailing by 24, and multiplying the 

result by the container rate charge. 

18.0 General Information for Mail 

Preparation 

* * * * * 

18.3 Presort Terms 

* * * * * 

[Revise items c, e, and p as follows:] 

c. A full letter tray is one in which 

faced, upright pieces fill the length of 

the tray between 85% and 100% full. 

* * * * * 

e. 5-digit scheme (bundles and sacks) 

for flats prepared according to 301.3.0: 

the ZIP Code in the delivery address on 

all pieces is one of the 5-digit ZIP Codes 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L007. 

* * * * * 

p. 3-digit scheme bundles for flats 

prepared according to 301.3.0: the ZIP 

Code in the delivery address on all 

pieces is one of the 3-digit ZIP Codes 

processed by the USPS as a single 

scheme, as shown in L008. 

* * * * * 

18.4 Mail Preparation Terms 

* * * * * 

[Revise items i and r as follows:] 

i. A 5-digit scheme sort for flats 

prepared according to 301.3.0 yields 5- 

digit scheme bundles for those 5-digit 

ZIP Codes identified in L007. Presorting 

must be performed using L007. Pieces 

prepared in scheme bundles must meet 

the automation flat criteria in 301.3.0. 

* * * * * 

r. A 3-digit scheme sort for flats 

prepared according to 301.3.0 yields 3- 

digit scheme bundles for those 3-digit 

ZIP Codes identified in L008. The 3- 

digit scheme sort is optional, except 

under 705.12.0 and 705.13.0. For 

705.12.0 and 705.13.0, presorting must 

be performed using L008. Pieces 

prepared in scheme bundles must meet 

the automation flat criteria in 301.3.0. 

* * * * * 

22.0 Preparing Presorted Periodicals 

* * * * * 

22.2 Bundle Preparation 

[Revise the introductory text of 22.2 as 

follows:] 

Only pieces meeting the criteria in 

301.3.0 may be prepared in 5-digit 

scheme bundles for those 5-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L007 and in 3-digit 

scheme bundles for those 3-digit ZIP 

Codes identified in L008. Bundling is 

required before traying or sacking. A 

bundle must be prepared when the 

quantity of addressed pieces for a 

required presort level reaches the 

minimum bundle size. Smaller volumes 

are not permitted except mixed ADC 

bundles and 5-digit/scheme and 3-digit/ 

scheme bundles prepared under 22.4. 

Bundling is also subject to 19.0, 

Bundles. Preparation sequence, bundle 

size, and labeling: 

* * * * * 

[Renumber item b as item c. Insert new 

item b as follows:] 

b. 5-digit scheme (optional); six-piece 

minimum; red Label 5 or OEL. 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items d through f as new 

items e through g. Insert new item d as 

follows:] 

d. 3-digit scheme (optional); six-piece 

minimum; green Label 3 or OEL. 

* * * * * 

22.6 Sack Preparation—Flat-Size 

Pieces and Irregular Parcels 

* * * * * 

[Renumber items a through g as items b 

through h. Insert new item a as follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme; optional; for pieces 

meeting the standards in 301.3.0; 24- 

piece minimum, fewer pieces not 

permitted. 

1. Line 1: L007, Column B. 

2. Line 2: ‘‘PER’’ or NEWS’’ as 

applicable, followed by ‘‘FLTS 5D SCH 

NON BC.’’

* * * * * 

22.7 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Nonautomation Pieces 

[Revise the first sentence in 22.7 as 

follows:] 

As an option, mailers may place in 

trays the automation-compatible flatsize pieces prepared under 301.3.0 that 

would normally be placed in ADC, 

origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks. 

* * * 

* * * * * 

25.0 Preparing Flat-Size Automation 

Periodicals 

25.1 Basic Standards 

25.1.1 General 

[Revise 25.1.1 as follows:] 

Each piece must meet the weight and 

size standards in 301.3.0 or in 25.3. 

Bundle, sack, and tray preparation are 

also subject to 18.0 through 21.0. Trays 

and sacks must bear the appropriate 

barcoded container labels under 708.6.0. 

* * * * * 

25.1.5 Bundle Preparation 

* * * * * 

[Revise the items a, c, and d as follows:] 

a. Pieces that meet the standards in 

301.3.0 must be prepared in separate 

bundles from pieces that meet the 

standards in 25.3. 

* * * * * 

c. Each bundle of pieces prepared 

under 301.3.0 and each bundle of pieces 

prepared under 25.3 must separately 

meet the bundle minimums in 25.4. 

d. Presort destination bundles may 

contain fewer than six pieces when the 

mailpieces are too thick or too heavy to 

create a six-piece bundle. Rate eligibility 

is not affected if the total number of 

pieces bundled for a presort destination 

meets or exceeds the minimum for rate 

eligibility under 14.0. 

25.1.6 Scheme Bundle Preparation 

[Revise 25.1.6 as follows:] 

Pieces meeting the criteria in 301.3.0 

must be prepared in 5-digit scheme 

bundles for those 5-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L007 and in 3-digit scheme 

bundles for those 3-digit ZIP Codes 

identified in L008. These bundles must 

meet the additional standards in 18.4i or 

18.4r. Pieces meeting the alternate 

criteria in 25.3 must not be prepared in 

scheme bundles. 

25.1.7 Sack Preparation 

[Revise 25.1.7 as follows:] 

Mailers may combine bundles of 

pieces prepared under 301.3.0 and 

bundles of pieces prepared under 25.3 

in the same sack. 


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25.1.8 Exception—Automation and 

Nonautomation Pieces on Pallets 

[Revise the first sentence of 25.1.8 as 

follows:] 

When the physical dimensions of the 

mailpieces in a Periodicals mailing meet 

the definition of both a letter-size piece 

and an automation flat-size piece, the 

entire job may be prepared, merged, and 

palletized under 705.9.0 through 

705.13.0 if the applicable standards are 

met.* * * 

* * * * * 

[Renumber 25.2 and 25.3 as new 25.4 

and 25.5. Insert new 25.2 and 25.3 as 

follows:] 

25.2 Physical Standards 

Each flat-size piece must be 

rectangular and must meet the standards 

in 301.3.0 or the alternative criteria in 

25.3. 

25.3 Alternative Criteria 

25.3.1 General 

Mailers may prepare automation flatsize pieces that differ in weight and 

thickness from the criteria in 301.3.0 

according to 25.3.2 and 25.3.3. Pieces 

prepared under 25.3 and pieces 

prepared under 301.3.0 may not be 

combined in the same bundle. 

Determine length and height according 

to 301.3.2. 

25.3.2 Weight and Size 

The maximum weight for each piece 

is 6 pounds. The following minimum 

and maximum dimensions apply: 

a. Minimum height is 5 inches. 

Maximum height is 12 inches. 

b. Minimum length is 6 inches. 

Maximum length is 15 inches. 

c. Minimum thickness is 0.009 inch. 

Maximum thickness is 1.25 inches. 

25.3.3 Address Placement on Folded 

Pieces 

Mailers must design folded pieces so 

that the address is in view when the 

final folded edge is to the right and any 

intermediate bound or folded edge is at 

the bottom of the piece. Unbound flatsize pieces must be at least doublefolded. 

25.4 Bundling and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise items a and c in renumbered 

25.4 to require scheme bundling as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme (required for pieces 

meeting the standards in 301.3.0); sixpiece minimum (fewer pieces permitted 

under 25.1.9); optional endorsement 

line (OEL) required. 

* * * * * 

c. 3-digit scheme (required for pieces 

meeting the standards in 301.3); sixpiece minimum (fewer pieces permitted 

under 25.1.9); OEL required. 

* * * * * 

25.5 Sacking and Labeling 

* * * * * 

[Revise item a in renumbered 25.5 as 

follows:] 

a. 5-digit scheme (for pieces meeting 

the standards in 301.3.0 only), required 

at 24 pieces, fewer pieces not permitted; 

may contain 5-digit scheme bundles 

only; labeling: 

* * * * * 

25.6 Optional Tray Preparation—FlatSize Barcoded Pieces 

[Revise the first sentence in renumbered 

25.6 as follows:] 

As an option, mailers may place in 

trays the automation-compatible flatsize pieces prepared under 301.3.0 that 

would normally be placed in ADC, 

origin mixed ADC, or mixed ADC sacks. 

* * * 

* * * * * 

26.0 Combining Multiple Editions or 

Publications 

[Reorganize and revise 26.0 to add the 

definition and standards for 

copalletized mailings. The experimental 

copalletization drop-ship classifications 

in 709.3.0 and 709.4.0 expire, and all 

mailers may copalletize under 26.0 as 

follows:] 

26.1 Description 

Mailers may prepare Periodicals 

publications as a combined mailing by 

merging copies or bundles of copies to 

achieve the finest presort level possible 

or to reduce the per piece or the 

Outside-County container rate charge. 

Mailers may use one of the following 

methods: 

a. Mailers may merge and sort 

together (‘‘comail’’) individually 

addressed copies of different editions of 

a Periodicals publication (one title) or 

individually addressed copies of 

different Periodicals publications (more 

than one title) to obtain a finer presort 

level. 

b. Mailers may place two or more 

copies of different Periodicals 

publications (two or more titles), and/or 

multiple editions of the same 

publication in the same mailing 

wrapper or firm bundle and present it 

as one addressed piece to a single 

recipient to reduce the per piece charge. 

c. Mailers may copalletize separately 

presorted bundles of different 

Periodicals titles and editions to achieve 

minimum pallet weights. Mailers do not 

have to achieve the finest pallet presort 

level possible. 

26.2 Authorization 

26.2.1 Basic Standards 

Each publication in a combined 

mailing must be authorized (or pending 

authorization) to mail at Periodicals 

rates. A mailer preparing comailed or 

copalletized mailings under 26.1a and 

26.1c must be authorized to do so by 

Business Mailer Support (see 608.8.1 for 

address). For copalletization, each 

mailer that sends mail to the 

copalletization facility also must be 

authorized. Requests for authorization 

must show: 

a. The mailer’s name and address. 

b. The mailing office. 

c. Procedures and quality control 

measures for the combined mailing. 

d. The expected date of the first 

mailing. 

e. A sample of the standardized 

documentation. 

26.2.2 Denial 

If the application is denied, the mailer 

or consolidator may file at a later date, 

or submit additional information 

needed to support the request. 

26.2.3 Termination 

An authorization may not exceed 2 

years. Business Mailer Support may take 

action to terminate an authorization at 

any time, by written notice, if the mailer 

does not meet the standards. 

26.3 Minimum Volume 

The following minimum volume 

standards apply: 

a. For combined mailings prepared 

under 26.1a, more than one Periodicals 

publication, or edition of a publication, 

are combined to meet the required 

minimum volume per bundle, sack, or 

tray for the rate claimed. 

b. For combined mailings prepared 

under 26.1b, the minimum volume 

requirements in 22.0, 23.0, 201.3.0, or 

25.0 apply for the rate claimed. 

c. For copalletized mailings prepared 

under 26.1c, the minimum volume 

requirements for pallets in 705.8.5.3 

apply for the rate claimed. 

26.4 Labeling 

Mailers must label all containers in a 

combined mailing as either ‘‘NEWS’’

(see 21.1.3) or ‘‘PER’’ as follows: 

a. If at least 51% of the total number 

of copies in the combined mailing can 

qualify for ‘‘NEWS’’ treatment then all 

containers in the mailing are labeled 

‘‘NEWS,’’ unless the mailer chooses to 

use ‘‘PER.’’

b. If less than 51% of the total number 

of copies in a combined mailing can 


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qualify for ‘‘NEWS’’ treatment then all 

containers in the mailing are labeled 

‘‘PER.’’

26.5 Documentation 

Each mailing must be accompanied by 

documentation meeting the standards in 

17.0, as well as any additional mailing 

information requested by the USPS to 

support the postage claimed (such as 

advertising percentage and weight per 

copy). The following additional 

standards apply: 

a. Presort documentation required 

under 708.1.0 must show the total 

number of addressed pieces and total 

number of copies for each publication 

and each edition in the combined 

mailing claimed at the carrier route, 5- 

digit, 3-digit, and basic rates. The mailer 

also must provide a list, by 3-digit ZIP 

Code prefix, of the number of addressed 

pieces for each publication and each 

edition claimed at any destination entry 

discount. 

b. Copalletized mailing 

documentation must be presented by 

each title and version, segment, or 

edition in the mailing, or by codes 

representing each title and version, 

segment, or edition. The documentation 

must include presort and pallet reports 

showing how the copalletized pieces are 

prepared and where they will be 

entered. 

26.6 Postage Statements 

Mailers must prepare postage 

statements for a combined mailing as 

follows: 

a. Copy weight and advertising 

percentage determine whether separate 

postage statements are required for 

editions of the same publication: 

1. If the copy weight and advertising 

percentage for all editions of a 

publication are the same, mailers may 

report all the editions on the same 

postage statement or each edition on a 

separate postage statement. 

2. If the copy weight or the 

advertising percentage is different for 

each edition of a publication, mailers 

must report each edition on a separate 

postage statement. 

b. For a combined mailing prepared 

under 26.1a, mailers must prepare a 

separate postage statement that claims 

all applicable per piece and per pound 

charges for each publication or edition 

except as provided in 26.2.5a. The 

mailer must annotate on, or attach to, 

each postage statement, the title and 

issue date of each publication or edition 

and indicate that the pieces were 

prepared as part of a combined mailing 

under 26.1a. 

c. For mailings under 26.1b, mailers 

must prepare a separate postage 

statement claiming the applicable per 

pound charges for each publication or 

edition in the combined mailing except 

as provided in 26.2.5a. The mailer must 

annotate on, or attach to, each postage 

statement, the title and issue date of 

each publication or edition and indicate 

that the copies were prepared as part of 

a combined mailing under 26.1b. The 

per piece charges must be claimed as 

follows: 

1. If all copies in the combined 

mailing are eligible for the Classroom or 

Nonprofit discount, or if all copies are 

not eligible for the Classroom or 

Nonprofit discount, mailers may claim 

the per piece charges only on the 

postage statement for the publication 

that contains the highest amount of 

advertising. 

2. If a portion of the copies in the 

combined mailing are eligible for the 

Classroom or Nonprofit discount and a 

portion are not eligible, mailers may 

claim the per piece charges only on the 

postage statement for the publication 

that contains the highest amount of 

advertising and is not eligible for the 

Classroom or Nonprofit discount. The 

Classroom or Nonprofit per piece 

discount must not be claimed. 

d. For copalletized mailings under 

26.1c, mailers must prepare a separate 

postage statement for each publication 

in the mailing. Mailings consisting of 

different editions or versions of the 

same publication must be accompanied 

by one consolidated postage statement 

and a register of mailings. 

26.7 Postage Payment 

Each mailing must meet the postage 

payment standards in 16.0. For 

copalletized mailings under 26.1c, 

mailers must pay postage at the post 

office serving the facility where 

consolidation takes place, except that 

postage for publications authorized 

under the Centralized Postage Payment 

(CPP) system may be paid to the Pricing 

and Classification Service Center (see 

608.8.4.1 for address). 

26.8 Deposit of Mail 

Each publication in a combined 

mailing must be authorized for original 

entry or additional entry at the post 

office where the mailing is entered. For 

copalletized mailings under 26.1c, 

mailers must enter each mailing at the 

post office serving the facility where 

consolidation takes place. 

* * * * * 

28.0 Destination Entry Rate Eligibility 

28.1 Basic Standards 

28.1.1 Rate Application 

[Revise 28.1.1 to eliminate the pallet 

discounts and add the new container 

rate as follows:] 

Outside-County addressed pieces may 

qualify for destination area distribution 

center (DADC) or destination sectional 

center facility (DSCF) rates under 28.2 

or 28.3. Carrier route rate addressed 

pieces may qualify for destination 

delivery unit (DDU) rates under 28.4. 

Outside-County pieces are subject to the 

Outside-County container rate in 1.1.3 

or 1.2.3. For all destination entry rate 

pieces: 

a. Only one destination entry discount 

may be claimed for each addressed 

piece. 

b. An individual bundle, tray, sack, or 

pallet may contain pieces claimed at 

different destination entry rates. 

c. In-County carrier route rate 

addressed pieces may qualify for the 

DDU discount under 28.4. 

d. The advertising and nonadvertising 

portions may be eligible for DADC, 

DSCF, or DDU pound rates based on the 

entry facility and the address on the 

piece. 

* * * * * 

28.2 Destination Area Distribution 

Center 

* * * * * 

28.2.3 Rates 

[Revise 28.2.3 to reflect the new 

nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

DADC rates include a per piece 

discount off the addressed piece rate, a 

nonadvertising pound rate, and, if 

applicable, an advertising pound rate. 

28.3 Destination Sectional Center 

Facility 

* * * * * 

28.3.3 Rates 

[Revise 28.3.3 to reflect the new 

nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

DSCF rates include a per piece 

discount off the addressed piece rate, a 

nonadvertising pound rate, and, if 

applicable, an advertising pound rate. 

28.4 Destination Delivery Unit 

* * * * * 

28.4.3 Rates 

[Revise 28.4.3 to reflect the new 

nonadvertising rate structure as 

follows:] 

DDU rates for Outside-County include 

a per piece discount off the addressed 


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piece rate, a nonadvertising pound rate, 

and, if applicable, an advertising pound 

rate. DDU rates for In-County consist of 

a per piece discount off the addressed 

piece rate and a pound charge. 

* * * * * 

708 Technical Specifications 

[Change the terminology from 

‘‘irregular’’ parcels to ‘‘nonmachinable’’

parcels and from ‘‘IRREG’’ to ‘‘NON 

MACH’’ for parcel preparation 

throughout 708.] 

1.0 Standardized Documentation for 

First-Class Mail, Periodicals, Standard 

Mail, and Flat-Size Bound Printed 

Matter 

* * * * * 

1.2 Format and Content 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c1 as follows:] 

1. Tray/sack sortation level. 

Periodicals documentation must also 

show the total number of each type of 

container in the mailing. 

* * * * * 

[Revise item c3 as follows:] 

3. The number of pieces for each 5- 

digit ZIP Code in 5-digit/scheme 

bundles or trays; for each 3-digit ZIP 

Code in 3-digit/scheme bundles or trays; 

for each 3-digit/scheme in (A)ADC 

bundles or trays; for each (A)ADC in 

mixed (A)ADC bundles or trays (or, for 

Periodicals, origin mixed ADC trays). 

For automation-rate mailings prepared 

under the no overflow option, the 

number of pieces in the next higher 

level tray in lieu of overflow trays. For 

ECR letters prepared under 245.6.0, the 

number of pieces in carrier routes 

within full trays. For automation flats, 

regular nonautomation presort mail, and 

ECR Standard Mail, the number of 

pieces in each bundle level and presort 

destination. 

* * * * * 

1.3 Rate Level Column Headings 

* * * * * 

[Delete the ‘‘Carrier Route’’ entry in item 

a. Revise the ‘‘3/5’’ and ‘‘Basic’’ entries 

as follows:] 

Rate Abbreviation 

* * * * * * * 

5-Digit [Standard Mail flats] .............................................................................................................................................................. 5B 

3-Digit [Standard Mail flats] .............................................................................................................................................................. 3B 

ADC [Standard Mail flats] ................................................................................................................................................................. AB 

Mixed ADC [Standard Mail flats] ...................................................................................................................................................... MB 

* * * * * * * 

[Delete the ‘‘3/5’’ entry in item b. Revise 

the ‘‘5-Digit,’’ ‘‘3-Digit,’’ and ‘‘Basic’’

entries in item b as follows:] 

Rate Abbreviation 

* * * * * * * 

5-Digit [Standard Mail letters; Periodicals letters, flats, and parcels] ............................................................................................... 5D 

3-Digit [Standard Mail letters; Periodicals letters, flats, and parcels] ............................................................................................... 3D 

ADC [letters/cards and flats] ............................................................................................................................................................. AD 

Mixed ADC [letters/cards and flats] .................................................................................................................................................. MD 

* * * * * * * 

[Delete the ‘‘Basic Automation’’ entry in 

item c.] 

* * * * * 

1.4 Sortation Level 

* * * * * 

[Revise the ‘‘5-Digit Scheme’’ entry as 

follows:] 

Sortation level Abbreviation 

* * * * * * * 

5-Digit Scheme [barcoded and machinable letters] ......................................................................................................................... 5DGS 

* * * * * * * 

[Revise the heading of 5.0 as follows:] 

5.0 Barcoding Standards for Parcels 

and Not Flat-Machinable Pieces 

5.1 Basic Requirements for Postal 

Routing Barcodes. 

[Revise 5.1 as follows:] 

Mailers may use a postal routing 

barcode on parcels and Not FlatMachinable pieces that meet the 

eligibility requirements in 443.1.1 for 

First-Class Mail, 443.4.4 and 443.5.5 for 

Standard Mail, 453.3.1 for Parcel Post, 

463.4.1 for Bound Printed Matter, 

473.3.4 for Media Mail, or 483.3.4 for 

Library Mail. Each parcel must bear a 

properly prepared UCC/EAN Code 128 

barcode symbology as described in 5.3 

that accurately represents the correct 

ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code of the delivery 

address. For information on barcode 

placement for parcels, see 402.4.0. 

* * * * * 


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6.0 Barcoding Standards for 

Container Labels 

6.1 Basic Standards—Tray and Sack 

Labels 

6.1.1 Use 

* * * * * 

Exhibit 6.1.4 3-Digit Content Identifier 

Numbers 

[Revise the content identifier numbers 

for First-Class Mail automation letters, 

Enhanced Carrier Route Standard Mail 

letters, and Not Flat-Machinable pieces.] 

* * * * * 

7.0 Optional Endorsement Lines 

(OELs) 

7.1 OEL Use 

7.1.1 Basic Standards 

* * * * * 

Exhibit 7.1.1 OEL Formats 

[Delete the example for Carrier Route—

Automation (First-Class Mail and 

Standard Mail).] 

* * * * * 

8.0 Carrier Route Information Lines 

8.1 Basic Information 

[Delete reference to First-Class Mail as 

follows:] 

Bundles for individual carrier routes, 

rural routes, highway contract routes, 

post office box sections, or general 

delivery units must be prepared with 

facing slips under 245.2.11 for Standard 

Mail letters, 345.2.14 for Standard Mail 

flats, 365.2.13 for Bound Printed Matter 

flats, 445.2.12 for Standard Mail parcels, 

465.2.12 for Bound Printed Matter 

parcels, and 707.19.16 for Periodicals, 

optional endorsement lines under 7.0, 

or carrier route information lines under 

8.2. These standards apply to Carrier 

Route Periodicals, Enhanced Carrier 

Route Standard Mail, and Carrier Route 

Bound Printed Matter mailings. Carrier 

route information lines may be on all 

pieces in a mailing, regardless of presort 

level. 

* * * * * 

709 Experimental Classifications and 

Rates 

* * * * * 

[Delete 3.0, Outside-County Periodicals 

Copalletization Drop-Ship 

Classification; 4.0, Outside-County 

Periodicals Copalletization Drop-Ship 

Discounts for High-Editorial, HeavyWeight, Small-Circulation Publications; 

and 5.0, Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box. 

Renumber remaining sections 6.0 and 

7.0 as new 3.0 and 4.0. The 

experimental copalletization discounts 

expire and are replaced by the new rate 

structure for Periodicals mail in 707. 

The Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box becomes 

a permanent offering in 123. We provide 

the proposed rates and fees for all 

remaining experimental services in 

‘‘Rates and Fees’’ at the end of this 

notice, after all of the proposed mailing 

standards.] 

* * * * * 

We will publish an appropriate 

amendment to 39 CFR Part 111 to reflect 

these changes if our proposal is 

adopted. 

Neva R. Watson, 

Attorney, Legislative. 

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[FR Doc. 06–7751 Filed 9–27–06; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 7710–12–C 


rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSAL_2EP27SE06.089</GPH> EP27SE06.090</GPH>